RAVEN’s work improves access to justice for Indigenous Nations across Canada. Over time, we have learned that there are many costs beyond legal costs that Nations must pay. Those costs restrict Nations from fully exercising their legal orders and, more importantly, limit Nations’ capacity to integrate their culture, customs, and traditions when trying to access justice.
For example, sharing specific oral traditions requires feasts or ceremony before they can be shared at times. In many Indigenous worldviews, children are included in decision-making and are welcome in all community events, so travel costs and accommodation for children to attend a Nation’s court hearing may be necessary. Even something as simple as bringing the community together for an update on the litigation can carry a cost.
That’s why RAVEN is providing up to $20,000 per court phase (trial, appeal, or Supreme Court of Canada) to Indigenous Nations that need funding to access justice according to their own laws and protocols.
