The Mark Cherrington Podcast: Episode 3 – Legal Aid Crisis, Colonial Trauma, and Community Support
This episode provides a powerful lens into the lives of vulnerable individuals in Alberta, tackling critical issues often overshadowed by bureaucratic red tape and misconceptions.
Mark and Kevin delve into various personal stories, shedding light on subjects from the Legal Aid Alberta crisis to intergenerational trauma, and the indispensable role of community support.
Here’s an in-depth look at some key takeaways from the conversations.
The Importance of Legal Aid in Alberta
One of the primary discussions centered around the ongoing struggles with Legal Aid Alberta. Mark addresses the dire situation that emerged from what we perceive as miscommunications and ultimatums between the government and Legal Aid. Due to these issues, the lives of vulnerable Albertans, who rely on Legal Aid for necessary services, have been significantly impacted. His personal stories and riveting insights reflect the gravity of the situation:
"It's an essential service," Mark emphasizes, comparing it to other indispensable services such as Hospitals and Courts. He advocates for transparency and the inclusion of agencies like the Criminal Trials Lawyers Association (CTLA) to ensure effective representation for vulnerable communities.
Intergenerational Trauma: A Persistent Battle
Mark shares heart-wrenching personal anecdotes about helping families affected by intergenerational trauma. One notable narrative involves his 30-year relationship with a family devastated by the effects of Residential Schools and cultural genocide, demonstrating how deeply these historical injustices resonate today.
"Intergenerational trauma isn't just a word. It's not like 'woke'" Mark explains, urging society to recognize the enduring impacts of colonialization, which continue to affect First Nations, Métis, and non-status communities adversely.
Income Support and Housing Challenges
Mark speaks candidly about the struggles families face regarding Income Support and housing. The rising cost of living and bureaucratic hurdles put additional strain on families already in crisis. His tireless efforts in assisting these families highlight the severe lack of affordable housing and adequate income support:
“Income Support has become more difficult to work with, cutting back essential services like bus passes and dietary funds,” he notes, emphasizing the need for systemic improvements.
Positive Stories of Change
Despite the challenges, this episodes also highlights uplifting moments. The story of a young Mom, who, with Mark's help, secured a new home after months in a motel. This shows how targeted support can change lives.
“Thanks to the Jordan Principle, we were able to secure robust funding for the family, ensuring they had resources to restart their lives."
The Green Shack program, another positive highlight, provides children with recreational activities and supportive oversight by a Youth Worker, fostering a safe and enriching environment.
Call for Donations and Support
Mark's efforts are significantly bolstered by community and individual donations. Highlighting the financial needs of his organization, the Coalition for Justice and Human Rights, Mark kindly asks for continuous support to sustain his vital work.
“Even a small monthly donation, such as $5, can make a big difference. It could provide a bus pass or emergency groceries for families in need,” he says in an appeal to the audience.
Conclusion
This episode presents not only the myriad challenges faced by vulnerable communities, but also underscores the power of compassion and community support. By sharing these stories, Mark advocates for meaningful changes and invites us all to contribute to a more just and supportive society.
Call to Action
To support Mark Cherrington’s mission, consider making a donation through the Coalition for Justice and Human Rights’ website. Follow Mark on social media for updates and further insights into his work, and see firsthand how your contributions are making a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it the most.
You can watch this episode on YouTube, or listen in your favorite podcast app.
Having said that, Mark and Kevin realize that these topics can be overwhelming and even intense, so we fully encourage you to watch the clips and YouTube Shorts as well to better process each part of the conversation. Chapter markers will be added, but for now are linked in the video descriptions.
Here's a breakdown of what was discussed:
00:00 Introduction and Catching Up
01:04 Discussing Legal Aid and Government Issues
04:13 Misquotations and Media Impact
17:31 Intergenerational Trauma and Personal Stories
27:54 Positive Outcomes and Small Victories
33:48 Challenges with Housing and Heat Wave
39:40 A New Beginning: Bringing Her Back to the City
40:43 The Green Shack: A Hidden Gem in Edmonton
43:23 Challenges in Child Welfare: A Mother's Perspective
47:36 The Importance of Repetition in Advocacy
51:36 Administrative Reviews: A Quasi-Judicial Process
53:24 Positive Outcomes Amidst Housing Shortages
57:30 The Power of Donations: How You Can Help
01:05:12 Final Thoughts and Closing
Please support Mark's work on Patreon to get early access to podcast episodes and his newsletter.
Keep up with everything Mark does online at https://bio.link/markcherrington
Kevin's home based business can be found at https://kevinthetechguy.ca