The following profiles were prepared for the May 17, 2007 Southern Tutchone Career Fair. Each of these CAFN citizens has chosen a career in justice.
Careers in Justice for FN citizens
Barb Joe – CAFN Justice Manager 
"I did not really choose this occupation – I think it chose me. I really enjoy the challenge of trying to incorporate our past Southern Tutchone traditions into a CAFN justice system . ”
Career:
As Justice Manager is responsible for negotiating an administration of justice agreement with Canada/Yukon and assisting the CAFN Administrative Appeals Tribunal
Barb was also a Co-Chair to the Corrections Consultation study that has just been completed.
“The work is very interesting … from drafting framework agreements to discussing customary law with our Elders to sitting at the negotiations table … there is a lot of room to move.”
Training and education:
Post-secondary education in a related area (e.g. justice, political science)
Barb has a law degree from the University of Victoria , and finds that it helps in understanding some of the intricacies of the negotiation discussions.
“ If you do not know what you want to be when you “grow up”, then work and travel a little before you decide. Just keep learning and look at everything as an experience that you can learn from”.
For further information about her job or other careers in Justice, contact Barb Joe at bjoe@cafn.ca or 634-4249
Brian MacDonald – Lawyer
“I enjoy being a lawyer because it allows me to meet and work with lots of different people on exciting issues and projects”
Career:
Practicing law in Whitehorse since 1999 as a sole practitioner
Focus on First Nation issues, including land claims and work in the areas of environmental, Constitutional, administrative and intellectual property law
Highlights include the opportunity to attend and participate in international meetings of the United Nations
“My work has provided me with opportunities to meet and experience the cultures of Indigenous People from around the world”
Training and education:
Undergraduate degreefollowed by law school at Dalhousie University in Halifax , Nova Scotia
Articling and bar exams in Yukon , with mentoring by Dave Joe, another CAFN lawyer!
Dave Joe – Lawyer
“I was asked by my Elders to go into Law, and I always had an interest”
Career:
Practicing law for 30 years
Instrumental in Yukon Umbrella Final Agreement and critical in the negotiation of CAFN’s self-government and land claims
“Pursue your dreams and share your gifts”
Training and education:
Four years doing an undergraduate degree, followed by three years of law school and one year of articling.
Lilly Smith - CAFN Law Registry Clerk
“ I encourage youth to seek the opportunity and experience to contribute their knowledge, skills and talents, and to develop their capacity through work experience”.
Career:
Law Registry Clerk for CAFN, also provides other support services to the Secretariat Department
Lilly is also a Justice of the Peace
“Be the best that you can be. There are opportunities out there, don’t waste them!”
Training and education:
Grade 12, with numerous courses taken through work.
Twenty years experience!
Lorraine Stick – Youth Program Facilitator
" I would recommend this career if you] are interested in working with young people and the justice system”
Career:
Youth Program Facilitator with Yukon Territorial Government; working with at-risk youth often in conflict with the law
Spent 22 years in the social field with 10 years at the Youth Achievement Centre
“I was assigned to work in this field. It was a great learning experience, as I had to learn how to set up and deliver programs such as work experience, culture camp, cooking programs and different recreational programs”
Training and education:
Grade 12 (check), plus extensive on-the-job training and short courses at Yukon College
“Follow your dream or goals. Stick to it. Have a mentor. Remember you can do it. Remember Rome was not built in a day. Be patient and don’t let anyone lead you astray”
Margaret O’Brien - Aboriginal Court Worker
“ I enjoy working with the Aboriginal people I get to meet from all over Canada ,,, I believe that the system does make many attempts to offer counseling and treatment instead of jail or a criminal "
Career:
Works for CYFN as an Aboriginal Criminal Court Support Worker.
Supports people through the court process, works with Crown and defence lawyers to help clients into counseling or diversion, ensures that circumstances of clients are known to lawyers and the Court.
“My position gives great court work experience, as well you get to work with several agencies. I have also been invited to attend Justice of the Peace training which I found very beneficial and exciting”
Training and education:
Grade 12, followed by lots of specific training
Margaret is also an RCMP Community Constable
“ Life offers so many choices for you to make. Ultimately, I believe a person has to sacrifice something in order to achieve something; the goal. It's all about choices and understanding the consequences for each choice”
