First Chairperson of the Saskatchewan Community Legal Services Commission was Psychologist from Regina

In recognition of #BlackHistoryMonth2025, enjoy this brief bio of Legal Aid Saskatchewan's first chairperson, Colvin Peyson.

The first chairperson of the Saskatchewan Community Legal Services Commission was Colvin Peyson, a community-minded psychologist from Regina.

Born in Trinidad, Peyson immigrated to Canada in 1956. He studied psychiatric nursing at the Saskatchewan Hospital in Weyburn, then earned his bachelor of arts degree from the University of Saskatchewan. After teaching psychiatric nursing at the Saskatchewan Hospital, Peyson achieved his master's in psychology from the University of Regina.

At the time of his appointment with the Saskatchewan Community Legal Services Commission in 1974, Peyson was working with the Government of Saskatchewan in its Mental Health Clinic. His tenure with both the Commission and the clinic lasted until 1980, at which time he established a private practice in Regina called PBS Associates.

Peyson volunteered with numerous community groups, such as the John Howard Society and Family Services Bureau, and travelled the province as a motivational speaker.

A few years after his passing, Peyson Bay in Regina was named after him in recognition of his contributions to health, social services and justice in Saskatchewan.

Peyson is one of the trailblazers included in the Saskatchewan African Canadian Heritage Museum Inc.’s documentation celebrating the contributions of Black individuals and families in the province. More profiles can be found here: Virtual Museum