Exploring Racial Trauma and Transforming Justice with Robert Seymour Wright. Join Myrna McCallum, a Métis Cree lawyer and passionate advocate for trauma-informed lawyering, in this compelling episode of The Trauma-Informed Lawyer podcast. Myrna sits down with Robert Seymour Wright, a queer, African Nova Scotian social worker and sociologist, to discuss the profound impact of racial trauma and the importance of integrating trauma-informed practices within the legal profession.

Robert shares his remarkable journey and insights, shedding light on the systemic challenges faced by Black and Indigenous communities. He delves into the significance of Impact of Race and Culture Assessments (IRCAs) in the justice system, highlighting their role in addressing systemic racism and promoting fair sentencing. Robert's candid reflections on his personal experiences and professional mission provide a powerful narrative on resilience, advocacy, and the transformative potential of trauma-informed approaches.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the intersectionality of racial trauma, the importance of community, and the need for holistic support systems. Robert's engaging storytelling, combined with his profound knowledge and humor, makes this episode a must-listen for anyone committed to fostering a more equitable and compassionate legal system.

You can learn more about Myrna and her work at: www.myrnamccallum.ca

This episode is emotional, raw, real and it isn't my regular content and deals with heavy subject matter including addiction, death, overdose, suicide, self-harm, sexual abuse, residential schools and my Indigenous lived experience. Listen with care. Seek support at 988 if you are in crisis and/or need support. 

RIP my brother Ty Iron. May the spirit world deliver what your life could never. 

You can learn more about Myrna and her work at: www.myrnamccallum.ca

Ret. Police Officer Dan Jones and I discuss the disturbing trend of dehumanizing Indigenous women in Canada. The most recent case in point: the refusal of the Manitoba premiere to search for the remains of Marcedes Myran and Morgan Harris. This episode may be triggering for some as we discuss murder, violence, sexual abuse, policing, homelessness, sex workers, and the Pickton murders. 

You can learn more about Myrna and her work at: www.myrnamccallum.ca

What does it mean to be visible in a job where you need to remain impartial? Today on the show, I speak with Michael Sonberg, a retired NYC judge who was one of the founding members of the International Association of LGBTQ+ Judges. We talk about Michael’s experiences as an openly gay judge and how the Association is helping to build community for LGBTQ2S+ members of the judiciary all over the world. We may be at the end of Pride Month, but pride and solidarity are a year-round practice. 

You can learn more about Myrna and her work at: www.myrnamccallum.ca

This truth and reconciliation episode with my daughter, Alicia, and Dr. Judy Jaunzems-Fernuk, is inspired by a recent event which transpired at a local Women of Distinction awards ceremony in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. 

You can learn more about Myrna and her work at: www.myrnamccallum.ca

Myrna's conversation with Vina Brown of Copper Canoe Woman Creations will uplift and inspire you. Vina Brown is a force, a healer, a helper, an artist and a successful Indigenous business owner. This conversation explores healing trauma for Indigenous people including the long-silenced/secret many carry: childhood sexual abuse (trigger warning) and the need for communities to heal together. CW: This episode also discusses eating disorders, sexual trauma, grief and loss. 

You will hear about an upcoming Indigenous-only course called "LoveBack" so if you're interested in attending, contact jennifer@myrnamccallum.co for more information. 

Please follow @coppercanoewoman on IG and order some "LoveBack" earrings today!

You can learn more about Myrna and her work at: www.myrnamccallum.ca

Myrna discusses why psychological safety is an imperative in all our relationships and invites listeners to prioritize the same. She also shares a recent experience where no safety was present or promised, as well as, an entirely different experience with a group of Indigenous people who knew exactly how to hold a safe space for her and each other. 

You can learn more about Myrna and her work at: www.myrnamccallum.ca

Season 3 is here thanks to a generous gift from the BC Law Foundation! Thank you BC Law Foundation. Dr. Amar Dhall is back for round 2 to talk about introception, bio-hacking the nervous system, the importance of trauma-informed practice, emotional intelligence and to share details on our upcoming retreat in Whistler BC from April 11-13, 2023. Join us! 

You can learn more about Myrna and her work at: www.myrnamccallum.ca

Myrna recaps 2022 and highlights holiday depression, suicidal ideation, grief, gratitude, Gabor Mate and the healing we need in the legal profession. Caution: Myrna also drops a couple F bombs. 

You can learn more about Myrna and her work at: www.myrnamccallum.ca

Natalie Netzel of Mitchell Hamline Law School explains why trauma-informed lawyering is the way forward for law schools, legal educators and future lawyers.

You can learn more about Myrna and her work at: www.myrnamccallum.ca

Bonus episode. Myrna gave a talk to the women of the Trial Lawyers Association of BC in Whistler, BC on October 22, 2022. She discussed boundaries, self-regulation, the consequences of never saying no and feeling like a smeagol in a room full of frodos. Enjoy! 

You can learn more about Myrna and her work at: www.myrnamccallum.ca

Ontario Court of Justice Patrice Band discusses trauma in the courtroom and his decision in R. v. Marratt which is the first of its kind to comment on vicarious trauma in the courtroom in the context of CP cases. This episode is Justice Band's call for everyone in the legal profession to learn more about trauma, its impacts on all of us and to explore how we can reduce its frequency. If you have a Chief Judge or Justice in your life or a Minster of Justice, please share this episode with them. May we all, one day soon, see a trauma-informed courtroom in Canada. 

You can learn more about Myrna and her work at: www.myrnamccallum.ca

This is an emotional episode which discusses Indian Residential Schools, child rape, the memories that haunt us and the hard stories we have to tell. It also focuses on healing and empathy and the choices we must make in order to heal. This episode also offers listeners ideas on how they can connect to Canada's Day for Truth and Reconciliation. 

Support this podcast at: https://ko-fi.com/thetraumainformedlawyer 

You can learn more about Myrna and her work at: www.myrnamccallum.ca

This episode discusses the recent murders which occurred on James Smith Cree Nation and the town of Weldon in Saskatchewan. The focus of this conversation with Dan Jones is primarily on the subject of racism and stereotyping Indigenous communities as we have sometimes seen in the justice system, media reports and Corrections Canada as well as the National Parole Board of Canada decisions. 

You can learn more about Myrna and her work at: www.myrnamccallum.ca

"The retributive focus of the colonial legal system results in much trauma, particularly with respect to criminal justice. The enlightenment that comes with becoming trauma-informed can assist lawyers, decision makers and others involved in addressing conflict to overcome deep-rooted systemic hurdles. Viewing conflict through a relational lens which embraces principles of restorative justice supports relinquishing control over the achievement of “justice” and instead focusing on restoration." - Vanessa Slater 

You can learn more about Myrna and her work at: www.myrnamccallum.ca

Dr. Amar Dhall shares his wisdom, insights and data on emotional intelligence and the art of living. The conversation is critical for those in occupations which value IQ over EQ. 

You can learn more about Myrna and her work at: www.myrnamccallum.ca

Myrna and a few of her friends and colleagues are delivering a course on trauma-informed justice which will be delivered via Zoom Events from July 20-22. This course is for everyone, not just lawyers. This course is open for registration. Register today at www.myrnamccallum.co 

You can learn more about Myrna and her work at: www.myrnamccallum.ca

Dan Jones and Nicole Whiskeyjack share their story of hope and healing in the criminal justice system. Nicole was sent to prison for kidnapping and Dan was the officer who arrested her. Many years later, Dan has become Nicole's father and the two of them educate law makers, law students, police officers and lawyers on the importance of possibility, healing and relationship building in policing. 

You can learn more about Myrna and her work at: www.myrnamccallum.ca

This episode is a reproduction of Myrna's closing Keynote for the 16th Annual Family Law Summit sponsored by the Law Society of Ontario and their Continuing Professional Development Department, originally delivered via Zoom on March 29, 2022.

You can learn more about Myrna and her work at: www.myrnamccallum.ca

This episode reflects on an earlier episode called, The Duty to Do Better: The Law Student Version. Law professors and instructors offer their perspectives on teaching in a trauma-informed way, lawyer and law student mental health, and modern legal education in Canada and the USA. This conversation includes Claudia Pena (UCLA), Anna Lund (UofA), Sarah Katz (Temple Uni), Andrew Pilliar (TRU), Zara Suleman (UVic), Brittany Goud (UVic), and Jeffrey Meyers (TRU). 

You can learn more about Myrna and her work at: www.myrnamccallum.ca

Fritzi Horstman of the Compassion Prison Project discusses prisoners, policing, trauma, ACES, intergenerational trauma, the justice system, racism, and how our humanity can get lost in our occupations. This episode references acts of violence. 

You can learn more about Myrna and her work at: www.myrnamccallum.ca

Chantel Sparklingeyes offers criminal court actors advice on how to decolonize the unjust legal system known for its dehumanizing practices when working with Indigenous people as victims, survivors, offenders and witnesses. CW: This talk covers subjects of sexual abuse, IPV and intergenerational trauma.

You can learn more about Myrna and her work at: www.myrnamccallum.ca

Dimple Dhabalia began her career as a lawyer but after a stint at the Attorney General's office in Denver, she found her calling as an asylum officer. Working for almost two decades at the crossroads of the government and humanitarian sectors, Dimple found her job fulfilling, but it also led to vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, moral injury, and burnout. 

With a mission to put the word “human” back in “humanitarian,” she started “Roots in the Clouds” which - among other things - supports humanitarians around the world in challenging the narrative of service before self  and normalizes improving and protecting mental health in the workplace.

Dimple’s book is titled, Tell Me My Story: Challenging the Narrative of Service Before Self. You can find here on Twitter @dimpstory  And don’t forget to check her website: rootsintheclouds.com

You can also listen to Dimple's podcast, Service Without Sacrifice: Conversations on Hope and Healing here: https://pod.link/1720788849

You can learn more about Myrna and her work at: www.myrnamccallum.ca

This solo episode explores concepts of healing, humility, humanity and collective trauma put forward by Thomas Hubl, Sherri Mitchell, CJ Robert Bauman, US Supreme Court Justice Warren Burger and Nelson Mandela. 

You can learn more about Myrna and her work at: www.myrnamccallum.ca

Judge Ginger Lerner-Wren describes her pathway to creating the first Mental Health Court in America and offers compelling insight into how education, understanding, compassion and dignity can transform lives for lawyers, judges and defendants who appear in her courtroom. This episode discusses mental illness, mental health, decriminalization and justice as healing. 

You can learn more about Myrna and her work at: www.myrnamccallum.ca

This episode includes a discussion about mental health, wellness, vicarious trauma, mindfulness, yoga and collective care practices among police officers within the Edmonton Police Service. 

You can learn more about Myrna and her work at: www.myrnamccallum.ca

CW: This episode mentions suicide, sexual abuse of children and other acts of violence. 

You can learn more about Myrna and her work at: www.myrnamccallum.ca

CW: This episode discusses violence and victimization. 

You can learn more about Myrna and her work at: www.myrnamccallum.ca

September 30th is Truth and Reconciliation Day in Canada, will you be a witness? 

You can learn more about Myrna and her work at: www.myrnamccallum.ca

The episode discusses Canada's genocide against Indigenous people, sexual assault cases and culture as  healing tool for Indigenous people. 

You can learn more about Myrna and her work at: www.myrnamccallum.ca

This episode discusses racism, sterotyping and the harm legal educators and legal institutions can sometimes cause racialized, Black and Indigenous law students - as well as those experiencing mental health challenges. 

You can learn more about Myrna and her work at: www.myrnamccallum.ca

Myrna invites listeners/lawyers to reflect on what they offer and what they don't when engaging with clients, the courts and each other.

You can learn more about Myrna and her work at: www.myrnamccallum.ca

This episode covers topics including transgender issues, vicarious trauma, trauma education for judges, resilience strategies and positive transformation in the judiciary and legal profession. 

You can learn more about Myrna and her work at: www.myrnamccallum.ca

In 2019, Marlee Liss's sexual assault case became the first in North America to get resolved in a restorative justice process instead of ending up in a criminal trial. Today, Marlee Liss is a restorative justice advocate, award-winning speaker, and embodiment coach. Her story is a testament that restorative justice provides a rare opportunity for survivors to heal in a way that respects their need for boundaries, care, and consent...while also initiating a transformative process for those who cause harm.

Marlee’s social media handle is @marleeliss. Find her work at www.marleeliss.com 

The second edition of her (poetry) book Re-Humanize is just out.

This episode discusses sexual violence,suicide and sexual harm. If you need support please call 8-1-1 in Canada or visit https://endingviolencecanada.org/sexual-assault-centres-crisis-lines-and-support-services/ for a list of crisis lines, support services and sexual assault centres in your area. 

You can learn more about Myrna and her work at: www.myrnamccallum.ca

This episode discusses generally the abuses Indigenous children experienced at residential schools, trauma, healing and reconciliation from the Anishinabe perspective. 

You can learn more about Myrna and her work at: www.myrnamccallum.ca

CW: our discussion briefly mentions suicide and murder

You can learn more about Myrna and her work at: www.myrnamccallum.ca

In this episode, Iain Smith shares how becoming trauma aware has changed his approach to practice and the way in which he relates to his clients. He also explains why justice systems everywhere need trauma informed education to effectively reduce crime and criminalization. CW: Some discussion of child abuse is had with no details provided. The focus of this episode is on  trauma awareness and how judges and lawyers can positively improve and redirect the lives of offenders by simply being kind and compassionate with them, and by recognizing how a history of childhood trauma may be influencing their criminal behaviour. 

You can learn more about Myrna and her work at: www.myrnamccallum.ca

This episode touches on sensitive subject matter including sexual assault, suicide, PTSD, mental health and murder.

You can learn more about Myrna and her work at: www.myrnamccallum.ca

It is time to courageously reflect on how you show up, how you impact others, how others impact you and why we all need to make space for psychological safety and boundaries in our workplaces.

You can learn more about Myrna and her work at: www.myrnamccallum.ca

This episode discusses vulnerability, vicarious trauma, restorative justice, harm, healing, debriefing, personal trauma and the missing link between current legal education and the practice of law. 

You can learn more about Myrna and her work at: www.myrnamccallum.ca

This episode discusses racism, colonization and intentional Indigenous exclusion from the Canadian judiciary. 

You can learn more about Myrna and her work at: www.myrnamccallum.ca

This episode explores what advocacy looks like from the perspective of lawyers who understand and practice cultural humility from a trauma-informed lens

You can learn more about Myrna and her work at: www.myrnamccallum.ca

In this episode, we discuss relational client engagement, racism, trauma, and the value of bringing a racially diverse lived experience to the counsel table and the courtroom. 

You can learn more about Myrna and her work at: www.myrnamccallum.ca

This episode addresses vicarious trauma in the legal profession and the personal traumas that can sometimes interfere with our ability to connect with each other and live in alignment with our core values. 

You can learn more about Myrna and her work at: www.myrnamccallum.ca

Today's episode is a special one. I am sharing an episode of Ben Perrin's podcast, Indictment: the Criminal Justice System on Trial which can be found here: https://indictment.simplecast.com/ In the most recent episode of Indictment, Ben shares Harold Johnson's final public talk - and what a gift it is to listen to Harold one more time. 

For more info on the Justice as Trauma Conference, please check out: www.justiceastrauma.ca 

Below is a copy of Ben's show notes from the original Indictment episode: 

Powerful. Unflinching. Visionary. Hear Indigenous lawyer and author Harold Johnson (1957-2022) deliver his final public lecture powerfully indicting the Canadian criminal justice system and making an impassioned case for Indigenous justice. A member of the Montreal Lake Cree Nation, Harold was a Harvard-trained Crown prosecutor and criminal defence lawyer who quit practising law because of the harm it was causing Indigenous people. Instead, he devoted the rest of his life to advocating for Indigenous justice and developing and implementing initiatives to bring healing and restoration in Indigenous communities. This special episode was recorded live on November 8, 2021 at the UBC Peter A. Allard School of Law in Vancouver as Harold spoke to the entire first year class. Harold Johnson passed away three months later on February 9, 2022. His legacy and words live on.

Content Note: discussion of trauma, intimate partner violence, violence, suicide, death by impaired driving, substance use, colonial violence against Indigenous people including residential schools and incarceration. There is also mention of sexual violence. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/mental-health-services/mental-health-get-help.html for mental health support resources if you need support. 

Harold's book include:

Harold Johnson, Peace and Good Order: The Case for Indigenous Justice in Canada 

Harold Johnson, Firewater: How Alcohol Is Killing My People (and Yours)

Order your copy of Indictment: The Criminal Justice System on Trial  (Aevo UTP, 2023). Visit www.benjaminperrin.ca for the latest news and upcoming events. Thank you to Joan Johnson for permission to share this lecture. 

 

You can learn more about Myrna and her work at: www.myrnamccallum.ca

This episode delivers a call to action from the courts to find a better way forward, to become trauma informed for the benefit of judges, counsel, court clerks, court officers and victim support staff. 

You can learn more about Myrna and her work at: www.myrnamccallum.ca

TW: There is some discussion about exposure to graphic evidence and prosecuting crimes involving sexual violence.

You can learn more about Myrna and her work at: www.myrnamccallum.ca

This episode discusses the psychological harm lawyers may experience as a result of doing what they love to do: advocacy. This episode references working with abuse survivors, suicide, mental health, vicarious trauma and vicarious resilience. 

You can learn more about Myrna and her work at: www.myrnamccallum.ca

This episode discusses trauma shock and wellness in judges, lawyers and law students as well as the benefits of developing a trauma-informed legal practice particularly in the context of Family Law. 

You can learn more about Myrna and her work at: www.myrnamccallum.ca

Christopher Howarth is a retired Cheshire Police Officer. In the last 2 years of his service he moved into the training department and had responsibility for the interview training in relation to vulnerable and intimidated witnesses which sparked his interest in ACES, trauma and adopting a trauma informed approach to investigations.

Our conversation covers a variety of topics including mental health and wellness of police officers, how to conduct a trauma informed interview of a vulnerable witness and how collaboration is one solution to current criticisms facing police in America. 

You can learn more about Myrna and her work at: www.myrnamccallum.ca