Miywasin to provide legal advice through free clinic

By Jeremy Appel on June 19, 2019.

jappel@medicinehatnews.com
@MHNJeremyAppel

Starting this afternoon, the Miywasin Friendship Centre is offering a free legal clinic for those who may be unsure of how to navigate the justice system. 

Local criminal defence lawyer Bradley Bellmore will be at the centre every other Wednesday from 1-4 p.m. to provide legal advice to those in need of his services. 

Miywasin cultural addictions counsellor Chasity Cairns, a registered social worker who arranged the clinic alongside Bellmore, says the initiative is in part intended to redress the over-representation of Indigenous people caught up in the justice system by providing them with complimentary professional legal advice at the outset of their matters. 

“A lot of people feel lost with the whole legal system. It’s going to be a great opportunity for individuals to lift some stress off their shoulders,” she said. 

Although it’s geared toward Indigenous people, Miywasin does provide services for everyone, Cairns added. 

While Bellmore provides legal assistance, Cairns says she provides emotional and cultural support for clients. 

“Sometimes when you tell your story and go through the court system, it’s a lot of stress and it brings up a lot sometimes, so I’ll be able to provide support for individuals, as he can provide legal advice,” she said. 

Clients are encouraged to make appointments, but drop-ins are also welcome. 

“We’re not going to turn anybody away,” said Cairns.

She and other counsellors at Miywasin already guide clients toward legal assistance, but having Bellmore in the building regularly will eliminate the intermediary. 

“It’s like having duty counsel in your office,” she said. “If somebody is going through issues for the first time or not sure where to go, that’s what he’s going to do.” 

Bellmore told the News his goal is to ease the pressure people feel when they’re forced to go through the legal system for the first time.  

“It is my honour to give back through the Miywasin Friendship Centre to the members of our community who may have some initial questions about some legal processes. Some legal proceedings can be stressful for those who have no previous experiences in the legal system,” he said. 

“If I can alleviate a little of the unknown and maybe speed a few things up in the meantime it is all worthwhile.”

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