Hugh Braker has stepped down as president of the Native Courtworker and Counselling Association of BC (NCCABC) after 25 years.
A dinner to honor his service to the organization was held Oct. 5 and it had all the makings of a family event, with laughter, teasing and outright roasting of the man of the hour. And anyone who knows the chief councillor of the Tseshaht First Nation knows he can give as good as he gets in these humorous circumstances.
Tseshaht’s Boyd Gallic, a 30-year veteran on the front lines of the Courtworkers’ organization, welcomed NCCABC representatives, board members and staff from across B.C. to Tseshaht territory. He introduced the newly-elected Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council President Deb Foxcroft and VP Ken Watts, who was that day elected to the position of vice-president of NCCABC.
Foxcroft congratulated Braker on the commitment and passion he brought to the Courtworkers’ organization over many, many years. Foxcroft and Watts presented Braker with a token of appreciation on behalf of the tribal council.
Terry La Liberté, who was vice-president, takes over as president. Lynn Collins becomes secretary/treasurer.
La Liberté, a defence lawyer who is Metis from Meadow Lake, Sask. and living for many years on the coast, told the gathering that Braker had been the face of this “most wonderful organization” and his shoes would be hard to fill. He described Braker as being an encyclopedia of knowledge of First Nations issues, running the organization with integrity, knowledge, wisdom, and a lot of intelligence.
NCCABC runs like a Swiss watch, because of Braker and the staff, La Liberté said.
“It’s a great honor to be following you….Thank you for paving the way.”
Each person at the gathering stood to talk about their own personal history with Braker, including sharing funny anecdotes. He was described as inspiring and dedicated to the service of Aboriginal people.
“I’m very honored that you’ve crossed my path,” said Norma Jean Stump, board member for the Quesnel region.
Gloria George, board member for the Prince George area, said Braker had demonstrated his leadership abilities on the first day she met him, at the pre-law program at the University of Saskatchewan.
On the first day on the small campus, George and her friend had been struggling to find their way to class.
“‘Follow me,’” George said Braker yelled when she called to him for directions. Unable to find his way, Braker proceeded to lead them on a journey all over the campus, making them all late for class. The first lecture from the professor was one on their responsibility to make it to his class on time, she teased her friend and colleague good-naturedly.
Gallic said his family appreciated the hard work Braker puts into his leadership roles, and said his clients often ask if he still practices as a lawyer, hoping to find him representing them in court.
“People in the territory greatly respect him.”
Darlene Shackelly is the executive director of NCCABC and teased Braker about the natural disasters that seem to follow him. Hurricane, earthquake, monsoon, and flood follow Braker wherever he goes, she said.
“I leave very, very happy,” said Braker when he stood to speak. He said it was a good time to step aside
NCCABC is the most respect aboriginal organization in the province, having the chiefs’ support and a reputation as stable, responsible, and respected.
He called NCCABC the best courtworker organization in the country, which is called on often to train and mentor other jurisdictions.
Braker said the most important thing the organization did was to spend the first five years visiting every tribal council, urban aboriginal organization and First Nation political organization to explain NCCABC’s mission and vision.
That was what cemented the relationship within Aboriginal communities. Had they not, it would have remained a Vancouver organization, remote from the people that get the biggest benefit of the services today.
It was the loyalty that they built in those days that helped NCCABC repel funding cuts from the Campbell-era government. Leaders from across the province landed at the legislature’s doorstep to protest the proposed cuts, Braker said.
“We would have been eliminated.”
Braker advised the board to continue to foster those relationships.
Another piece of advice that Braker gave was to evolve with the needs of the greater community.
“If you remain static, you will never go anywhere,” he said.
It was also important to remain in contact with the province, letting public servants know what NCCABC does, Braker said. Watts, as the new vice-president, was in a good position to help with this because he already has many of those contacts, Braker said. And La Liberté had the respect of the judiciary, and knows the players in the justice system.
Braker said the new executive was a good mix and would complement each other.
“The Courtworkers stand only to gain in the future.”
Braker said he hoped they would be able to put all the dire statistics of Aboriginal incarceration behind them and pave the way for a bright future for aboriginal people in the justice system, one that is rife with racism.
Braker said the volunteer position was taken on with the desire to serve, but it’s good to be able to “surround yourself with good friends, good people and enjoy yourself…
“I had an absolutely rockin’ good time.”
NCCABC, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, “provides culturally appropriate services to aboriginal people and communities consistent with their needs.” It includes counselling and referral services to clients with substance abuse and detox support issues, advocacy services for aboriginal family and youth, community outreach, networking and partnerships, and advocacy services, among other programs.
