National Aboriginal Day: Honoring Canada’s Diverse Culture

Musqueam Aboriginal Day Invite 2013 - FinalOn June 21st provinces and territories across Canada will begin celebrations marking National Aboriginal Day.  From coast to coast we will be able to catch a glimpse of festive performances, tune in to traditional story telling sessions and learn more about the vast contributions made by Canada’s First Nation’s, Inuit and Métis peoples.

 

Did you know that almost every area of law, from consumer to family law, is affected by Aboriginal legal issues?  One of Clicklaw’s Common Questions – Where can I find an overview of how the law is different for Aboriginal people? – offers links to resources with information on key differences in the law of Aboriginal people.    

 

Interested in taking part in this year’s National Aboriginal Day celebrations?  On June 21st the Musqeam Indian Band is hosting  xixá??m?t t? na t?m?x? (“Caring for This Land”), an event featuring a barbecue, live entertainment and number of games and performances for audiences of all ages.  Happy National Aboriginal Day!

June Is World Refugee Awareness Month

Refugee Claim Flow Chart
Refugee Claim Flow Chart

Canadians enjoy many rights and freedoms, such as:

  • a fair, unencumbered right to vote 
  • the right to speak freely without censorship 
  • religious freedom 
  • freedom of sexual and gender expression

Many people around the world have been denied these rights and freedoms, and must fight for them.

June is World Refugee Awareness month when we recognize that Canada is a place that many people from around the world dream to consider home.  These individuals arrive in our country facing many barriers, including language, limited knowledge about the court process and generally may be feeling vulnerable as newcomers to a foreign new land.

Clicklaw features a number of information resources for individuals who wish to start a refugee claim.  Our Common Question – How do I start a refugee claim in Canada – provides guidelines on who is eligible to apply for refugee status, how to seek refugee protection, how to prepare for a hearing, and highlights what legal aid can provide.