February 2, 2023

The National Indigenous Law Students’ Association (“NILSA”) stands in support of the Law Society of
Alberta’s mandatory continuing legal education requirement on Indigenous culture, history, and legal
issues in Canada. The requirement for members of the Alberta Law Society to complete this mandatory
cultural competency program on Indigenous issues is mandated by Law Society of Alberta rule 67.4,
which states in part:

67.4 (1) Independent of Rules 67.1 through 67.3, the Benchers may, from time to time,
prescribe specific continuing professional development requirements to be completed by
members, in a form and manner, as well as time frame, acceptable to the Benchers.

The Path - Your Journey Through Indigenous Canada (“The Path”) was developed by Indigenous
peoples, by an Indigenous owned company and reflects Canada’s steps towards responding to the Truth
and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action No. 27. The training provides legal professionals with
much needed perspective on systemic issues that are unique to Canada’s legal systems and the Indigenous
peoples of Canada. Practicing lawyers in Alberta were given a more than adequate timeline of 18 months
to complete the training and CPD hours were credited to those who attended the training.

NILSA is aware of a current petition calling for a special meeting with the Law Society of Alberta to
discuss the removal of Rule 67.4. While we acknowledge that the petition relates generally to Rule 67.4,
we note that Rule 67.4 has only been enacted with respect to the professional development training
containing The Path. As such, we note that this is a direct act of discrimination aimed at Indigenous
peoples.

As future legal professionals, the National Indigenous Law Students’ Association unequivocally supports
Canadian law societies efforts to promote education and awareness of Indigenous culture, history, and the
present day systemic barriers Indigenous peoples continue to face. As we look towards our individual
paths we recognize how intimately our careers are connected to the broader goal of reconciliation within
the justice system.

The National Indigenous Law Students’ Association Executive (2022-2023)