‘True allies’: Niagara’s retiring assistant Crown attorney lauded for her reconciliation efforts – Niagara This Week
October 18, 2023
Stacey Sheehan ‘instrumental’ in establishing Indigenous People’s Court in Niagara
Walking into court stressed, scared and – since many live on the street – hungry, clients of Niagara’s assistant Crown attorney would often be greeted with something they’d never expect.
A bowl of food, and a warm hug.
“There are very few Crown (attorneys) that will greet their clients with a warm hug,” said Christine Fougere, an administrator with the Indigenous Community Justice Program (ICJP), recalling times when Stacey Sheehan would bring some food and offer an embrace to one of the region’s Indigenous people who found themselves in court.
Sheehan, after a more than three-decade career in the Crown attorney’s office, has retired. Among her career achievements, Sheehan’s work with the Indigenous community in Niagara is what many say set her apart. Over the past several years she and fellow assistant Crown attorney Graham Leach have built connections and relationships with the friendship centres and Indigenous groups of the region.
