LEAF is grateful for its community partners, and in particular, LEAF wishes to extend a special acknowledgement to the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women (IAAW).
In 2016, LEAF and IAAW partnered to intervene in the appeal in R v. Barton (the court case that acquitted Barton for the killing of Cindy Gladue) and the inquiry into Justice Robin Camp. The collaborative approach to these matters enables us to advance strong arguments against the systemic discrimination Indigenous women face in Canada’s systems of justice. LEAF is pleased to participate in such partnerships in our effort to address ongoing violence against Indigenous women.
About R v. Barton
In May, 2016, LEAF and IAAW filed a joint factum in R v. Barton at the Alberta Court of Appeal. In the factum, we argued that the trial judge inappropriately admitted evidence of Cindy Gladue’s sexual history into the trial and that he failed to properly instruct the jury on the law of consent. LEAF/IAAW argued that Ms. Gladue was consistently dehumanized and stereotyped during the trial. In September, 2016, LEAF and IAAW closely monitored the R v. Barton appeal. IAAW organized a vigil outside the courthouse in Edmonton before the start of the hearing to honour and remember Ms. Gladue and worked alongside Cindy’s family to develop the resource book Our Breaking Point.
About the Justice Robin Camp Inquiry
In July, 2016, a committee of the Canadian Judicial Council (CJC) granted intervener status to a national coalition of women’s organizations, including IAAW and LEAF. The coalition intervened in the inquiry into Justice Robin Camp’s conduct during a 2014 sexual assault trial in Alberta. The Inquiry was held in September, 2016 and resulted in the committee’s recommendation in November to remove Justice Robin Camp from his position as judge.
About the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Woman (IAAW)
For the past 20 years, IAAW has advanced the rights of Aboriginal women through advocacy, education, research and program development. IAAW is composed of First Nation and Métis Women dedicated to supporting other women in their journey to build individual and family capacity while supporting the development of healthy, safe and caring communities. For more information about IAAW, visit www.iaaw.ca
About Muriel Stanley Venne
Muriel Stanley Venne is a Métis activist and the founder and president of IAAW. She currently chairs the Aboriginal Commission on Human Rights and Justice. She has received many awards throughout her influential career including:
- Alberta Human Rights Award on the 25th Anniversary of the Alberta Human Rights Commission
- Queen’s Jubilee Medal
- The Appreciation Award from the Native Counseling Services of Alberta
- Métis Woman of the Year Award from the Women of the Métis Nation
- Outstanding Young Woman Award from Canadian Merit
- YWCA Lois Hole Lifetime Achievement Award
- Order of Canada and the Governor General’s Commemorative Medal for the Person’s Case
- Grant MacEwan University Distinguished Citizen Honourary Bachelor of Arts
LEAF is proud to ally our organization with IAAW and to recognize the life’s work of Muriel Stanley Venne in our quest to make Canada a more equal and just place for all women and girls.
