PAWN MEETING
 A Discussion with Darlene Shackelly

Please join us for an evening of networking and a powerful keynote speech delivered by Darlene Shackelly, recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, and Executive Director of Native Courtworkers and Counselling Association of BC.  Darlene will be sharing her inspiring career journey as a trailblazer in the Indigenous community at large as well as her contribution to improving Aboriginal Justice.

About Darlene Shackelly:

Darlene Shackelly is a proud member of the Kwa'Kwa'Ka' Wa'Kw First Nation.  She was raised in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island.  Darlene has dedicated her entire career to advocating for justice for Indigenous peoples in British Columbia and across Canada.  As a result of her dedication and advocacy for Aboriginal Justice, Darlene is a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal.  She is currently Executive Director for the Native Courtworkers and Counselling Association of BC and has been with this organization since 1982. Darlene has the unique insight into viewing justice from an Aboriginal perspective which is holistic and takes into the account the complex history of Aboriginal peoples in this country and pre-contact.  With her unique and insightful perspective she has been able to impact the experience of Aboriginal peoples in the justice system for the better.  She is a trailblazer and has created many Aboriginal specific justice programs that have resulted in millions of dollars of ongoing funding for Indigenous specific justice programs. Darlene’s life-long experience in the field of Aboriginal Justice has touched the lives of literally thousands of Aboriginal people in this province and across Canada, in particular women of all ages.  She is the author of three personal safety guidebooks.  She has served on many advisory councils and boards over the years, including: the Justice Institute of BC, Minister’s Advisory Council on Aboriginal Women of BC; and Vancouver Indian Friendship Centre.