First Nations lawyer named to province’s Human Rights Commission

A lawyer from the Poundmaker Cree Nation is one of the latest appointees to the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission.

SHRC Chief Commissioner David Arnot said Paul Favel brings a wealth of assets to the commission.

“I think because he’s a First Nations person and a First Nations lawyer, he fully understands the issues facing First Nations people in the province of Saskatchewan, and that’s an incredible asset to have,” said Arnot. “He’s a very intelligent person and a very good lawyer, and that will obviously help us. He also knows the issues very well that we face.”

The SHRC focuses on promoting and protecting individual dignity and equal rights. It investigates complaints of discrimination in a wide range of areas like age, ancestry such as Aboriginal, disabilities or sexual orientation; promotes and approves equity programs and educates people about human rights law in Saskatchewan.

Favel practices law in Saskatoon with McKercher LLP Barristers & Solicitors. He became a member of the Law Society of Saskatchewan in 1996 and was admitted as a member of the Nova Scotia Barristers Society in 2001. He joined the Saskatoon office in 2004 as an associate, then became a partner in 2007 and was appointed to Queen’s Counsel in 2010, which is an honour awarded to members of the legal profession to recognize exceptional merit and contribution.

Favel practices corporate and commercial law and focuses on First Nations legal issues. He has worked with First Nations governments and organizations in the province, as well as across the country, on economic development projects, governance, Treaty Land Entitlement and specific claims.

He said being a First Nations person has given him an understanding that people need to work on treating each other better.

“Whether people of colour or based on other grounds such as religion, so I think you bring that, that society generally has to get better and is always striving to get better at appreciating people’s difference and just trying to get along better,” said Favel.

Favel is excited about the holistic approach the SHRC is taking with four pillars. The first is to be an effective and efficient body when it comes to investigating and prosecuting complaints. The second is to focus more on early resolution through strategies like mediation.

“The third pillar is just to pursue increased systemic advocacy for issues that affect multiple groups or people. I think that’s important; that and the fourth pillar,” said Favel, “which is developing the Pre-K to grade 12 program, which teaches citizenship rights and responsibilities.

“It’s more of a holistic approach, so you’re not just strictly prosecuting or dealing with people’s complaints. You’re effectively trying to change the mindset of society...bring awareness through the educational system.”

Favel is passionate about working with children. In his spare time he volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters Saskatoon.

“There’s no better way to make positive changes for the long-term future of today’s society than working with children, so I think any education program that will be developed is only going to serve Saskatchewan society generally in a positive way.”

Jan Gitlin and Barry Wilcox were also appointed to the Commission. Gitlin is a highly respected member of Saskatoon’s Jewish community who has volunteered tirelessly for the Saskatoon Museum of Human Rights. Wilcox is a senior member of Prince Albert’s legal community who is known for his expertise in mediation and alternative dispute resolution.