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Justin Pooyak Criminal Court Worker, Native Counseling
"My Cree name is Wuttunee (Eagle Feather) and I grew up on the Red Pheasant First Nation, near Battleford, Saskatchewan. I became interested in working in the justice system when I went to see my younger brother in jail. It seemed that over ninety-nine per cent of the inmates in that institution were Native. At Native Counseling, I attend courts in Calgary to provide legal aid to Native people.
"My role model has always been my Kookum (grandmother), who taught me to be proud of my Native heritage and to respect other people. My mother has also been very supportive of my schooling, my work -- everything I did. Without this backing, it would have been much more difficult to achieve the things I have." "I have known Justin for over ten years, since I was having problems with my oldest daughter. I feel that I can pick up the phone anytime and call him. He is willing to put time aside to help me resolve any problems I am having. I feel very comfortable talking to him."
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