Speaker Series: Decolonizing Mediation Ethics

Wednesday, December 20th, 4:30pm – 6:30pm PST
This is our Annual 2-hour Ethics Session

Traditionally, western mediation ethics are rooted in the mantra “do no further harm.” In the context of the history and legacy of colonialism in Canada, what does “do no further harm” require?

Kelly and Aaron examine ethics through a decolonial lens where they ask questions about western formulations of mediation ethics, including the selection of process, the style of mediation, and the use of individual tools. A secondary part of their inquiry is to reimagine mediation ethics in a way that is consistent with an indigenous relational worldview. Using the metaphor “mediation is the whole world” they locate the task of addressing the harmful legacy of colonialism – and the possibility of “social justice” – in the micro-event of mediation.

Decolonizing mediation ethics requires both an awareness of colonial ideas inherent to western law and dispute resolution and a courageous re-envisioning of ethics. Mediators Kelly Douglas and Aaron Leakey, using humor, theory and experience, invite you to join them in this self-reflective, interactive, and challenging ethics workshop.

Kelly Douglas: Way’, hello, I am a member of the syilx Nation and currently reside in the Okanagan Valley.  I have almost two decades experience working in the BC government in family justice and forestry. The bulk of my experience has been in family law mediation, child protection mediation, conflict coach and Indigenous engagement. I am currently doing nsyilxcen language classes and in the early stages of setting up a consulting company that will focus an Indigenous lens towards conflict resolution, coaching, mediating, and education.

Aaron Leakey is the Training Manager at Mediate BC. In addition, Aaron is completing a PhD in Law and Society at the University of Victoria where he is examining the ideological foundations of justice systems. Aaron holds a research fellowship at the BC Access to Justice Center for Excellence (AIM).