Cathy Dobson/The Independent

Jeff Plain knows what it’s like to lose hope.

As a younger man, the 61-year-old Aamjiwnaang member had lost his home, been in legal trouble, and sat in a jail cell.

“I’ve used substances to escape responsibilities and reality,” he says. “I know what it’s like to give up.”

But he also knows what it’s like to land on his feet with the help of his father Wilson Plain, who was a respected Aamjiwnaang band councillor.  

“His support led me out of that darkness,” Plain said during a recent speaking engagement in front of 40 members of the Kiwanis Club of Sarnia-Lambton Golden K. 

He began a fresh chapter in his life, studied community advocacy at Lambton College, and found his purpose by volunteering with Community Legal Assistance Sarnia (CLAS), an organization that helps low-income earners navigate the legal system, a system that is often complicated and intimidating.

Volunteering led to his work with CLAS executive director Andrew Bolter. Together they created Baamsedaa or Let’s Walk Together, now a renowned program to assist Indigenous people with legal issues. 

Since its inception in 2011, Plain has been the indigenous justice co-ordinator with Baamsedaa.

“Doing what I do….working with people is not a choice,” said Plain.  “It is in my blood.”

He said his life experiences mirror those of many Indigenous people so he can share stories with his clients. “I can tell them they are not alone and we can walk together.”

The Baamsedaa program has been resoundingly successful, garnering praise from federal, provincial and local governments.  Several legal assistance groups across Ontario have similar programs now, based on the original Sarnia model. 

“It’s grown into something I really didn’t expect,” said Plain.  “I just wanted to help some people who were going through things that I did when I was growing up.

“It feels good to see all this happen in a short time.”

Plain said the majority of cases brought to CLAS by Indigenous people deal with landlord/tenant issues. They live off-reserve and frequently face evictions or “renovictions,” he said.  

He is not a lawyer but can refer clients to lawyers and help them overcome their fear of the system.  

“I also tell them about their rights. They need to know they have rights, like the right of first refusal to return to their unit after it has been renovated.”

Sarnia is home to one of 19 Indigenous Peoples courts in Canada. These are specialized programs also known as Gladue Court that were created to address the chronic over-representation of Indigenous people in the penitentiary population. 

Judges consider all available sanctions for criminal offences before the Indigenous Peoples court when sentencing.

Plain offers access to “wrap around” services for those attending the specialized court every Thursday in Sarnia.

“Those courts are more holistic, if you want to call it that,” he said. “It’s more designed to understand the Indigenous experience in a way the court can use to resolve issues.”

Plain said he’s experienced racism and discrimination throughout his life and frequently sees rampant racism in Sarnia-Lambton, particularly online. 

 The Indigenous Peoples court considers the impact of racism and “appreciates the dynamic of what our people have gone through,” he said.  

Kiwanian Paul Woolley said that Plain was invited to speak to the club because of a recognition that many Indigenous struggle in Sarnia-Lambton.

“We know what problems are going on in the community and we try to see how we can fit in and help,” said Woolley. “This club is very cognizant of Indigenous people and their trials and tribulations.”

 CLAS is located at 201 Front St. North.  For details about Baamsedaa and other services, visit claslegalclinic.ca.