Legal Eagle Awards Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Award recognizes Aboriginal youth for working towards social justice

Prince George, BC – November 12, 2008 – The Law Courts Education Society of BC (LCES) and the Northern Native Public Legal Education Program announced today that five BC youth will receive the 2008 Legal Eagle Award. The awards will be presented at 11:00am on Thursday, November 13, 2008 at Prince George Courthouse Courtroom 104. The Honourable Steven L. Point, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia will be presenting the awards.

The Legal Eagle Award recognizes outstanding initiative and leadership shown by youth working towards crime prevention and social justice issues in their community.

Philippe Lacerte, a youth worker with the Lake Babine Nation, is just one of the recipients and his work is characteristic of Legal Eagle award winners. Philippe with the support of his elected Chief and Council has taken the initiative to create a suicide watch outreach program – handing out cards with his phone number to those at risk. He also provides a mobile neighbourhood watch program, driving his car around the community to intervene when crime, drug trafficking and violence are looming. Philippe’s courage and integrity are examples for others.

Along with Phillipe Lacerte four other recipients of the Legal Eagle award are Tiare Jung and Kayla Cardinal from Prince George, Willie Cooper from Williams Lake and Andrew Tom from Smithers.

“Aboriginal youth are often hesitant to engage with the legal community due to a tradition of distrust” says Annette Russell, LCES Aboriginal Programs Coordinator. “This award helps to bridge the gap between Aboriginal people and the law by recognizing youth who have engaged with the system to help to make their community a better place.”

“Our justice system cannot work without the support and engagement of our citizens. It exists to serve them and keep our communities safe and healthy” says Rick Craig, LCES Executive Director. “The work that these youth are undertaking is an inspiration to all of us and provides examples of how we can make our justice system more inclusive and responsive to the needs of Aboriginal people. These youth deserve to be recognized for the important work that they are doing for their communities. ”

About LCES

Since 1989, the Law Courts Education Society (LCES) has been dedicated to improving access to the legal system through hands-on, two-way education between the public and those working in the justice system.

As a non-profit organization with ongoing public and private sector financial and volunteer support, LCES is able to offer a unique and comprehensive collection of justice related educational services and effectively work towards creating a justice system that is accessible to all. For more information visit: www.lawcourtsed.ca.

Contact

Joan Brett
Regional Coodinator
Law Courts Education Society of BC
Northern Region Office
250.614.2736
Fax 250.614.2798