AGM 2025: Access to Justice Forum - Indigenous Outreach

On October 9th, in honour of International Wrongful Conviction Day, Innocence Ottawa held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) but with a fresh new approach. This year, our members decided to do something different. Instead of our traditional format featuring exonorees and legal professionals speaking about wrongful convictions, we created a fair-style event titled Access to Justice Forum: Indigenous Outreach. 

This special gathering was designed to provide an opportunity for individuals to connect with Indigenous community organizations, justice-focused groups, and innocence projects. The goal was to create space for dialogue, learning and collaboration, emphasizing the importance of access to justice for Indigenous communities and all those affected by wrongful convictions. 

A total of seven organizations participated in the event:

  • ODAWA Native Friendship Centre
  • Tungasuvvingat Inuit (TI)
  • Indigenous Students Association, Univeristy of Ottawa
  • Criminology Student Association, University of Ottawa
  • Collaborative Justice Project
  • John Howard Society of Ottawa (Ikaarvik House)
  • Innocence Ottawa

The event began with a drumming performance by Bruce Objick, from Kitigan Zibi. This was followed by a few words from Professor Kathryn Campbell, and IO members Ethan See and Kaila Sherratt about our organization and the inspiration behind this year's new AGM format. Members spoke about our efforts over the past year, and the progress made through our Indigenous Outreach Program.

Following the opening remarks, attendees were invited to explore the room, visit the various booths, and engage with representatives from each participating organization. The forum offered a valuable opportunity to learn more about the ongoing work being done in our community to support justice, reconciliation, and advocacy. 

The event was catered by Jolene Commanda of Commanda Catering, from Kitigan Zibi, who treated attendees to local Indigenous cuisine, a delicious and meaningful way to celebrate community and culture.

The Access to Justice Forum: Indigenous Outreach was a great opportunity to bring people together in the spirit of learning, connection, and collaboration. We are grateful to everyone who participated and helped make this event a meaningful celebration of community, culture, and the shared pursuit of justice.