The term "ally" is often used to describe the ways in which people can support those from marginalized and underrepresented groups. But in an era of increasingly divisive politics, and heightened discrimination and prejudice, does being an ally go far enough?

In this episode of the "Dear Beth" podcast, we explore what it means to be an accomplice: someone willing to take risks (personally and professionally) in order to stand up for (and stand with) people from marginalized and underrepresented groups. 

Special co-host Lawren Trotchie, a Métis lawyer, joins Leah Howie and Jen Quesnel in the studio. Feature guest is Courtenay Phillips, a Cree lawyer who practices privacy law. 

Courtenay and Lawren describe their experiences moving through both law school and the legal profession as Indigenous women lawyers and how having strong allies and accomplices made a difference in their lives. Courtenay offers insights on how lawyers and law societies can stand boldly alongside those who need support, even if it means taking some big risks.

We hear perspectives from Rachel Loewen Walker, assistant professor and program director in women and gender studies and political studies, Brenda Yuen, lawyer and  research advisor with Cowichan Tribes, diversity equity and inclusion consultant Prasanna Ranganathan, and entertainment lawyer and Canadian musician Safwan Javed. 

And in our Letters segment, Beth Bilson explores the challenges students from underrepresented groups encounter when attending law school.  She is joined by law students Jordan Calladine and Fakeha Jamil who speak candidly about their encountering prejudice and discrimination in and outside the law school, and the type of future they envision for themselves as practicing lawyers. 

 

GUEST HOST BIO: Lawren Trotchie is a Métis/Michif woman born and raised in North Battleford, Saskatchewan. Lawren was raised in a traditional Métis/Michif family by her mother, auntie, and grandparents. She completed her first degree in Sociology with a minor in Crime Law and Justice Studies in 2015 at the University of Saskatchewan. Shortly after, Lawren obtained her Law Degree in 2018 and immediately began her Master of Laws (LLM) degree, both at the University of Saskatchewan. Lawren is currently a lecturer at the University of Saskatchewan, College of Law and a lawyer at Matrix Law Group.

 

GUEST BIO: Courtenay Phillips is a Cree woman and a member of Barren Lands First Nation. She practises information management law with the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General in Saskatchewan is also a member of the appeal body for Nekaneet First Nation.

LETTER SEGMENT GUEST BIOS:

 

Jordan Calladine is a 3rd year law student and is VP Social for the Indigenous Law Students' Association. She is a member of the Métis Nation – Saskatchewan and holds various positions throughout.

 

Fakeha Jamil is a 2nd year law student at the University of Saskatchewan College of Law where she is the Co-Founder and Co-President of the Women in Law group. She hopes to practice international law one day.

 

HOST BIOS:

 

Beth Bilson, KC, PhD has enjoyed a career of teaching, writing, deaning, arbitrating, and community engagement that began at the University of Saskatchewan in 1979, and she has never run out of interesting things to do.

 

Leah Howie, BEng, BSc, LLB, LLM lives in beautiful Saskatoon with her husband, two daughters, two dogs, and two cats. She loves reading, connecting people, travelling, and spending time outside on the prairies, in the mountains, by the river, and in the boreal forest. She enjoys thinking about ways to improve the law in her work in the area of law reform, and teaching and coaching law students as a sessional lecturer for the College of Law.

 

Brea Lowenberger, BA, JD, LLM is a lifelong learner and collaborator who hopes to leave the individuals and communities she interacts with a bit better than she found them. She is passionate about teaching and implementing design strategies that improve access to justice for Saskatchewan residents through her roles as Access to Justice coordinator, director of CREATE Justice, and sessional lecturer for the College of Law. When she isn't working, she enjoys adventures with family and friends, travelling, being active, nature, reading, and creating music and art.

 

PHOTO CREDITS:  Submitted

COVER ART: Hannah Jorgenson