Legal Aid Saskatchewan to launch $2-million Indigenous justice initiative
Kintohpatatin will fund 10 regional Community Justice Advocates to connect Indigenous clients with culturally responsive legal advocacy and community-based supports across Saskatchewan.
Legal Aid Saskatchewan (LAS) is launching Kintohpatatin, a province-wide initiative designed to strengthen access to justice for Indigenous people by connecting legal advocacy with community-based services and culturally responsive supports. The initiative is backed by $2 million in annual funding from the Law Foundation of Saskatchewan.
The annual funding will support 10 regional Community Justice Advocates, a program manager, client supports, cultural programming, staff training and evaluation activities.
Grounded in the Cree concepts of wâhkôhtowin (interconnectedness), tâpwêwin (truth and integrity), and mîyo-pimâtisiwin (restoring a balanced, good life), Kintohpatatin (“you have been listened to”) is designed to help clients navigate legal proceedings while addressing related challenges involving housing, health, family responsibilities and access to community services.
“For Indigenous clients, access to justice cannot be achieved without reconciliation. That is why reconciliation is the all-encompassing priority in our strategic plan. Today, as we take the next step in leading systems change and advancing reconciliation for a just society, we are introducing Kintohpatatin,” says Jayne Mallin, LAS CEO.
“Kintohpatatin represents a bold shift in how justice is delivered in Saskatchewan,” says Shaina Lynden, LAS Director of Indigenous Services and Relations. “It moves reconciliation from words into action by ensuring Indigenous people are not only heard, but supported by culturally responsive advocacy, trusted community relationships, and practical resources throughout their legal journey. Through this initiative, Legal Aid Saskatchewan is helping set a new standard for access to justice, one grounded in dignity, accountability, and the belief that no one should have to navigate complex systems alone.”
"As part of its commitment to advancing access to justice, the Law Foundation of Saskatchewan is pleased to fund the Kintohpatatin initiative,” says Irene Seiferling, LFS Chair. “Legal problems rarely exist in isolation. The availability of client support services is a key component in enabling everyone to have meaningful access to justice. The Foundation looks forward to seeing the initiative’s work and outcomes."
Connecting legal advocacy with community supports
Kintohpatatin will connect legal advocacy with community-based services to help Indigenous clients navigate legal proceedings and address related challenges, including housing insecurity, mental health and addictions concerns, family responsibilities, child welfare involvement and barriers to culturally appropriate services.
“Kintohpatatin will allow us to embed staff in community, where they will be able to provide culturally responsive services, connect Indigenous clients with supports in their communities, and help ensure Indigenous clients do not fall through the cracks,” says Mallin. “We are confident these efforts will help people successfully engage with our organization and the justice system, while contributing to broader efforts to reduce the overrepresentation of Indigenous Peoples.”
Community Justice Advocates will work alongside LAS lawyers, Indigenous Courtworkers and service providers to identify client needs, coordinate access to supports, address practical barriers and maintain continuity as clients navigate legal proceedings. The initiative will also support culturally responsive and Gladue-informed advocacy by ensuring clients’ lived experiences and circumstances are reflected in legal strategies.
Through earlier intervention and coordinated support, Kintohpatatin aims to strengthen release planning, improve access to services and increase opportunities for community-based alternatives to incarceration and unnecessary family separation.
Working with Indigenous communities
Kintohpatatin will use a regional model intended to respond to the distinct needs of urban, rural, northern, remote and First Nation communities. Transportation assistance, community travel and partnerships with local service providers will help address geographic and practical barriers to accessing services.
Relationships with First Nations, Tribal Councils, Elders, Knowledge Keepers and Indigenous organizations will be central to the initiative’s delivery. The program is intended to build on existing community expertise, cultural knowledge and local relationships rather than duplicate services already available.
“Legal Aid Saskatchewan cannot, and should not, try to recreate the cultural knowledge, trust, community connections, healing programs, and local expertise that already exist,” says Lynden. “Kintohpatatin will succeed when Legal Aid contributes its legal expertise while respecting, supporting, and strengthening the expertise already present within Indigenous communities.”
LAS will monitor outcomes related to client access to supports, Gladue-informed advocacy, community-based planning and client experiences to evaluate the initiative's effectiveness and inform ongoing improvements.
About Legal Aid Saskatchewan
Legal Aid Saskatchewan provides legal services to eligible Saskatchewan residents who cannot afford a lawyer for criminal, family, immigration or refugee matters. The organization has supported access to justice since 1974.
About the Law Foundation of Saskatchewan
The Law Foundation of Saskatchewan supports programs and initiatives that advance access to justice and benefit Saskatchewan communities. Through its grant programs, the Foundation funds legal aid services, legal education, legal research, law reform and law libraries.
Media contact:
Erin Legg, Communications Manager
Legal Aid Saskatchewan
elegg@legalaid.sk.ca
306-933-6518
