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ADR Institute of Alberta

The source of Alternative Dispute Resolution information, resources and expertise in Alberta Alberta’s professional association of mediators, arbitrators and other ADR practitioners

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Resources

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How to Use Pronouns Respectfully

Last Updated: June 24, 2021

In honour of Pride Month in June, our post today looks at personal pronouns and how to use them respectfully.

Asking and correctly using someone’s pronouns is one of the most basic ways to show your respect for their gender identity. This serves to create an inclusive environment where you demonstrate that you care for and respect them.

When someone is referred to with the wrong pronoun, it can make them feel disrespected, invalidated, dismissed, alienated, dysphoric or, often all of the above.

When we are communicating with others, especially in conflict situations or as ADR professionals, it’s important that we use the correct pronouns to approach the situation with respect. It creates a safe space for all individuals to have a conversation.

What are Personal Pronouns?

We use pronouns to refer to people in place of their name or in third person – to refer to that person while talking to someone else.

Everyone has pronouns they use. The use of pronouns is not just exclusive to transgender, nonbinary, gender-non-conforming or intersex people. She/her/hers and he/him/his are a few commonly used pronouns. There are also lots of gender-neutral pronouns in use. 

Here are a few you might hear:

source: them.us via @soyouwanttotalkabout

They is a fairly popular pronoun. The singular use of they is not a new thing – according to Oxford dictionary, it’s use as a singular pronoun emerged by the 14th century. We use this very commonly in sentences such as, “Somebody left their book on my desk.” We continue to use the singular they in the move toward gender-neutral language.

Some people do not use pronouns at all, using their name as a pronoun instead.

Avoid using the word “preferred” in front of pronouns because it insinuates that the pronouns are optional. Instead, just say “my pronouns are” or “their pronouns are”.

Keep in mind that some people may use more than one set of pronouns to refer to themselves (e.g., ‘she/her’ and ‘they/them’). In these instances, you can use either set when referring to this person. 

What If I Don’t Know What Pronouns Someone Uses?

We should never assume someone’s pronouns. While the majority of people may use ‘she/her’ or ‘he/him,’ we cannot always tell by looking at someone. Pronouns commonly have a gendered association, however, anyone of any gender can use any pronouns that fit for them.   

If you don’t know what pronouns someone uses: 

1.     Ask them. See below for some tips on how to ask.

2.     Use “they” or their name until you have the opportunity to ask about their pronouns. 

How Do I Ask Which Pronouns to Use? 

The easiest way to ask someone about their pronouns is to share your own. Get used to starting introductions by including your pronouns:

“Hello, my name is Kristy and I go by ‘she, her, hers’ pronouns.”

This signals to the other person that you are familiar with the concept of pronouns and creates an opening to ask for their pronouns. You are also increasing the normalcy of sharing of pronouns in public interactions. 

Whether it’s someone you are meeting for the first time or it’s someone you’ve known for a while, you can ask them directly which pronouns they use or how they would like you to refer to them. 

What Do You Do When You Make a Mistake? 

We all make mistakes from time to time – my own mother will call me by her dog’s name!

The important thing is how you react when you make a mistake.

When you make a mistake:

If you catch your mistake right away, it’s best to apologize and correct yourself by saying something like, “I’m sorry, I meant (insert pronoun).” and move on in the conversation.

If you realize your mistake later, apologize to the person in private and move on.

If someone corrects you, you can apologize, say thank you for the correction, correct yourself and then move the conversation along.

When apologizing, please don’t go on and on about how bad you feel or how hard it is to use pronouns, what your intentions were or make any excuses. We want to keep from centering ourselves in that moment and not make it more embarrassing for the person who was misgendered. A simple apology is best.

When others make a mistake:

Before correcting the individual who made the mistake, consider whether the person who has been misgendered has shared about their pronouns in all areas of their life. Some people may only use certain pronouns in various aspects of their lives (e.g., using ‘they/them’ at work but ‘he/him’ at home) or they may make this choice for personal safety. If you don’t know, it’s always better to ask first and put their safety as the priority.

If you catch someone else using the incorrect pronouns for someone else who is aware of their pronouns, it is appropriate to gently correct them without further embarrassing the person who has been misgendered. 

You can repeat back to them with a response that corrects the pronoun. 

Example: Someone says, “Oh she’s a great friend.” Your response can be, “You’re right, they are a great friend.”

If the person may not be aware of the correct pronoun, your response can be, 

“You’re right, they are a great friend. Also, just so you know, Kristy uses ‘they/them/theirs’ pronouns.”  

Be gentle in your correction, assume the person did not know, and move on in the conversation. Of course, if someone is purposely using the wrong pronoun for another person, your approach will be different. 

Keep Practicing, Keep Open to Feedback, Keep Learning

The most important thing is that we try our best and be open to correction. Sometimes, it just takes some practice to get used to using different pronouns. You can try that in the mirror or with a friend or family member to get used to it. You can also keep learning more about pronouns through the resources on MyPronouns.org.

How to Use Pronouns RespectfullyRead More

Category: Resources

Having Difficult Conversations with your Teen

Last Updated: June 18, 2021

In honour of Father’s Day, today’s blog post will look at difficult conversations and how to have them with your teen.

Difficult conversations are those during which needs, wants, opinions or perceptions of those involved may be diverse and emotions often run high. These types of conversations can lead to conflict and escalation if not handled well. Teens and parents can be confronted with many difficult conversations on topics such as sex, bullying, drug and alcohol, dating, peer pressure and many others. Even less consequential issues, such as homework, chores or screen time, can provide important opportunities for parents and teens to engage in difficult conversations with positive outcomes. If approached from an open and honest perspective, such conversations can be a source of relationship and trust building, while also keeping lines of communication open.

The Set Up

Think about your own feelings on the topic and what message you would like to convey

What are your non-negotiables? What can you be flexible about?

Is there anything about this topic that you find triggering?

Timing

Think about the time of day or week that your child may be more likely to be open to a conversation. For example, if your teen often sleeps in on the weekend, an 8:00am talk may not be the best option. Try to have a dedicated time to talk, rather than last minute or during another activity and if possible, try to anticipate and talk with your teen before it has escalated into a conflict.

Find the Right Environment

When having difficult conversations, you will want to make sure you pick a private location, hopefully without other family members or friends present. It is also useful to think about how and where does your teen feel comfortable communicating. In the car? During a walk?

During the Conversation

Address the Awkward

Acknowledge that this may be a difficult or awkward conversation.

Start with a Positive

If there is anything within the topic that your teen does well, or that you appreciate, it is good to start off on a positive note.

Listen First

As much as possible, prioritize listening to your teen to get an idea of what they think about the topic and where your viewpoint may align.

Ask Questions

Use open questions to encourage discussion and exploration. Closed questions tend to elicit a yes or no response. Use closed questions only when confirming understanding, to avoid shutting down the conversation.

Example:

Closed: Are you upset about ‘x’?

Open: How do you feel about ‘x’?

Try to avoid questions that start with ‘why’. Why can be interpreted as accusatory.

Example:

Why did you take the car without asking?

Could you tell me what you were thinking about when you took out the car without letting me know?

Validate Feelings

Acknowledge and validate the feelings of your teen. This can help to make them feel like they are being seen and heard.

Be Collaborative Where Possible

Where possible, collaborate with your teen on how to solve the problem. Respect that your teen has their own viewpoint and understanding of situations hat may be different from your own. Be sure to ask what they think and if they have any suggestions on how you can solve the problem together. Often times, any decisions that you reach collaboratively will be more likely to be lasting.

Concluding the Conversation

Summarize anything you’ve agreed to

Make sure as you complete your conversation that you’re moving forward on the same page. If there is anything still not clear, go back and discuss.

Thank your teen for talking with you, acknowledge their effort

Celebrate!

After you’ve done the hard work, celebrate with your teen by doing or planning something you both enjoy – perhaps pizza or a movie night.

Having Difficult Conversations with your TeenRead More

Category: Resources

Listen, Learn, Support & Engage: Indigenous History Month

Last Updated: June 3, 2021

June is Indigenous History Month in Canada.

Recent news has reminded us of the importance of holding space for Indigenous voices, having hard conversations, supporting Indigenous organizations and recommitting ourselves to learning. Indigenous History Month was declared in 2009, and although the word history may suggest that we are simply revisiting the past, we must also take the time to consider the many ways in which the past shapes our present and continues to influence the future.

As leaders in the dispute resolution field, ADRIA values and draws strength from our diversity. Racism and discrimination are undeniably a part of our collective history in Canada and we seek to listen and learn in order to ensure racism and other forms of discrimination have no place in our future. For more on our commitment to diversity, please read our page on Diversity Matters.

Throughout June and the year ahead, we encourage all of our members and the public to listen, learn, support and engage in Indigenous topics.

Below are some featured resources – what are some of your favourite resource and organizations? Let us know!

Learn & Educate Yourself

Attend our free webinar featuring Dr. Shalene Jobin on June 8 – Indigenous Peoples, An Alberta Primer

Watch the ADRIC recordings on Diversity in ADR, including:

  • Listening Circle: What is Diversity, Inclusion and Truth and Reconciliation 
  • Allyship: Authentic vs Performative
  • Voice and Choice: Power, Privilege and Reconciliation – Understanding and Recognizing in Ourselves and Our Clients
  • The Value of Inclusion in ADR:  Learning from Non-Mainstream Practitioners
  • Changing Systemic Biases and Discriminatory Practices in Organizations
  • A Trauma-Informed Approach to Managing ADR
  • Sharing Circle: Moving our Practices and Organizations Forward, and Advancing the Process of Truth and Reconciliation

Members of the public can learn about how to support people experiencing trauma through an Indigenous produced resource.

Take the free Indigenous Canada Course at the University of Alberta.

Join the Kairos Canada National Indigenous History Month Events

  • Tuesday, June 15 (7-9pm ET) – Metis Teachings
  • Monday, June 21 (7-9pm ET) – We are All Treaty People
  • Tuesday, June 29 (7-9pm ET) – Social Injustice in the Courts

View the recording of our Indigenous History Month webinar from 2020 featuring Ry Moran speaking about the important work of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation or his subsequent presentation about Truth & Reconciliation work in Canada.

Take part in some free virtual events from the Canadian Club including:

  • A New Type of Capitalism with Guy Cormier (Desjardins Group), Kayla Isabelle (StartUp Canada) and Jenn Harper (Cheekbone Beauty Cosmetics), moderated by David Skok (The Logic)
  • Dany Assaf – Author, Say Please And Thank You & Stand In Line: One Man’s Story Of What Makes Canada Special, And How To Keep it that Way

Listen to Indigenous Stories

One Story, One Song by Richard Wagamese

Ragged Company by Richard Wagamese

From the Ashes by Jesse Thistle

Stories from the Land Podcast

Check out the various Indigenous Collections available through the Alberta Library System.

Find stories and activity downloads from Indigenous communities across Canada.

Read a professional development resource called Mark of the Métis: Traditional Knowledge and Stories of the Métis Peoples of Northeastern Alberta

Support Indigenous Communities

Support Indigenous led community organizations such as the Alberta Native Friendship Centres, Native Counselling Services of Alberta, and the Métis Nation of Alberta.

Take part in Indigenous-led experiences through Indigenous Tourism Alberta.

Donate through a registered charity like Reconciliation Canada or Indian Residential School Survivors Society

Share and seek support through the Indian Residential School Crisis Line (24-hour, national crisis line) created to provide support for former students and others affected by the recent news: 1-866-925-4419

Engage & Continue the Conversation Year Round

Have conversations with your friends, family and colleagues about residential schools and other parts of Indigenous history. Keep the conversation going throughout the year – not just during the month of June. Celebrate the heritage, diversity and achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis!

Listen, Learn, Support & Engage: Indigenous History MonthRead More

Category: Resources

How Should ADR Practitioners Approach Self-Represented Litigants?

Last Updated: May 27, 2021

SRLs and ADR: Beyond the Acronyms

How should arbitrators, mediators, and tribunals approach things when at least one party is a self-represented litigant (SRL)?  In our webinar on May 25, Professor Andrew Pilliar reviewed research on SRLs in Canada, discuss some challenges that decision-makers may face, and offer suggestions to help navigate those challenges.

Presenter: Andrew Pilliar, JD, LLM, PhD

Assistant Professor, Thompson Rivers University Faculty of Law
Director, NSRLP West

Andrew Pilliar’s research interests focus on access to justice, including the self-represented litigant phenomenon.  Since 2019 he has been the Director of the National Self-Represented Litigants Project West (NSRLP West), which is a partner to NSRLP, based in Windsor, ON.  Before his academic career, Andrew practiced in the litigation and insolvency fields at a national law firm and at a Vancouver boutique, and clerked for the BC Supreme Court.

This recording is from our May 25, 2021 Webinar:

How Should ADR Practitioners Approach Self-Represented Litigants?Read More

Category: Resources, Webinar Recordings

Fairness in Arbitration & Mediation: A Personal Perspective

Last Updated: May 11, 2021

Whether you are a mediator or an adjudicator, fairness is a very important characteristic to maintain. But what exactly does this entail?

In this presentation, our speaker Moin A. Yahya will suggest some simple rules to follow when mediating or adjudicating disputes between various parties. These include formalistic legal rules, such as not being biased, giving proper notice to each side, and allowing each side to present and be heard as well as informal rules that will assist in getting the buy-in from each of the parties involved.

Our Speaker: Moin A. Yahya

Moin A. Yahya is a Professor of Law at the University of Alberta. He is a current member of the Alberta Human Rights Commission and a past member of the Alberta Utilities Commission. He has taught Administrative Law, Criminal Law, and Constitutional Law among other courses.

This recording is from our April 14, 2021 ADR Webinar:

Fairness in Arbitration & Mediation: A Personal PerspectiveRead More

Category: Resources, Webinar Recordings

Changes to the Divorce Act and What it Means to ADR, to Families and to You

Last Updated: May 11, 2021

A panel discussion regarding the changes to the Divorce Act, what it means to ADR, to families and you.

Panelists:
Diana Lowe, QC
Sharon Crooks, President AFMS
Hon. Justice Andrea Moen (frmr) 

Diana Lowe, QC is a lawyer with 35 years of experience which includes legal practice, research and reform of the civil and family justice systems in Canada, and most recently as Executive Counsel to the Chief Justice of the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta. Diana recently retired from the Court and established a consulting practice – “Re-imagining Justice”. 

The Honourable Andrea Moen frequently observed high conflict in her courtroom between parents in their fights over their children. She asked the question of what happens to the brains of those children when they are exposed to the conflict of their parents. As a consequence of her research, the Court was a founder of the Reforming Family Justice System initiative. 

Sharon J. Crooks, LLM, has been a lawyer for 34 years, a mediator for 20 plus years, and an arbitrator for 6 years with a Chartered Arbitrator [C-Arb] designation. She has been the managing partner of Rowanoak Law Office LLP since 2002. Sharon has extensive training and experience in family, child protection and children’s law, as well as in mediation/arbitration.

This recording is from our March 10, 2021 ADR Webinar:

Changes to the Divorce Act and What it Means to ADR, to Families and to YouRead More

Category: Webinar Recordings

Coming Alive in the COVID World

Last Updated: May 11, 2021

We could all use a little help navigating these challenging times and situations more effectively. Through this webinar you will guided to a broader and deeper understanding of your experiences during this time of transition. Using a mindfulness lens, you will enhance the quality of your being while you are doing your doing. 

Cinim is an integrative health and research institute and a registered charity. They improve the mental health and wellbeing of individuals, families and communities through the development and delivery of safe, effective, evidence-based programs.

Cinim presenter Allan Donsky has been a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist for 25 years. He is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Calgary and Adjunct Professor in the Department of Child Studies and Social work, Mount Royal University. He facilitates Mindfulness workshops in schools, Universities, Conferences and the business world. Allan uses a Mindful approach to navigate the human experience integrating Mind, Heart, Spirit and Soul. This brings us closer to the quality life we are looking for.

This recording is from our February 25, 2021 webinar Coming Alive in the COVID World

Coming Alive in the COVID WorldRead More

Category: Resources, Webinar Recordings

Mediation

Last Updated: February 23, 2021

MediationRead More

Category: Types of ADRTag: Family

Dispute Resolution Clause for Contracts

Last Updated: April 29, 2021

Contract disputes take up time and money for everyone involved. Adding a Dispute Resolution clause to your contracts is the best way to protect against litigation costs.

There are many ADR processes that can be used to resolve a disagreement quickly and fairly, including mediation and arbitration. 

Making ADRIA’s Select and Appoint process a recommended or mandatory method of selecting a dispute resolution process and professional is an effective way to save time and money in the event a contract is in dispute. 

Sample Dispute Resolution Clause:

In the event that a dispute or misunderstanding should occur between the parties regarding this contract or either party’s contractual obligations, it is agreed that the ADR Institute of Alberta’s (ADRIA) Select and Appoint process will be used to choose and hire an ADR professional to facilitate a dispute resolution process, should direct negotiations fail.

The ADR Institute of Canada also offers National Arbitration Rules and National Mediation Rules, including a sample contract clause, to help establish clear rules for effective dispute resolution processes.

Part of a Non-Profit?

Read about adding a Dispute Resolution clause to your non-profit organization’s by-laws.

Dispute Resolution Clause for ContractsRead More

Category: Resources

Hard Conversations: Faith Communities & Shared Spaces

Last Updated: May 11, 2021

This recording is from our January 21, 2021, ADR Luncheon Webinar

Graham Singh offers his many years of personal experience with the re-purposing of historic churches and urban architecture into shared use community and business hubs. In tackling such projects, he has encountered many conflict situations – often deeply entrenched and linked to identity.

Can you mix congregations and circus performers?

Can a church building host different faiths, each seeking their own spiritual accommodations?

Where do spiritual, business and cultures interests collide, and what lessons can we learn from the often difficult conversations that ensue.

Graham offers some unique insights into the hard conversations that must be embraced if a lasting accommodation is to be reached, and the lessons learned here can be applied in many settings. 

Hard Conversations: Faith Communities & Shared SpacesRead More

Category: Resources, Webinar Recordings

How Can I Be a Better Listener?

Last Updated: May 11, 2021

We are living in a busy and hectic world where the demands on our time and attention seem to be ever increasing.  Online communication has replaced a lot of face to face communication. Some of us are starting to feel a little out of practice when it comes to nurturing our interpersonal relationships.  One of the key aspects of face to face communication is about listening well. This brings up the question: How can I be a better listener?

To listen effectively, you need to listen with your entire mind. You are not listening if you are thinking about your experience, of how you might respond, counter, or argue what is being said, or judging and appraising the statements before the speaker is even finished.  But becoming a more effective listener isn’t only about what not to do.  Take the following list for example. For every DON’T there is a DO!

Do’s and Don’ts to Practice to Become a Better Listener

Get Curious

Don’t resist ideas, even if they are of no personal interest. Instead, get curious! Accept that the message is important even if it arrives in a form that you don’t like or comes from someone you don’t like. 

Give Your Full Attention

Don’t daydream or fake attention. Do give your full attention. Put your thoughts and judgments aside. You are only truly engaged in listening when your focus is on the speaker.

Dig Deep and Stay in the “Muck”

Don’t avoid difficult material. Instead, dig deep and stay in the “muck”. Recognize that conversations are not just for the transfer of information.

Resist and Reduce Distractions

Don’t tolerate or create distractions. Do resist and reduce distractions. Put your phone away, find a comfortable and quiet space, periodically summarize in your head, etc. 

Shift from Past to Present to Future

Don’t recreate negative past experiences. Instead, shift from past to present to future. You cannot move forward if you are stuck in the past.

Normalize Emotions

When feelings are brought out, don’t deflect and change topic or return to a safe topic. Do normalize emotions; say what you observe to go beyond the words, state your own emotions, check that you are understanding feelings correctly.

Keep Calm

Don’t let your emotions rule you. Use techniques to keep yourself calm like taking some deep breaths, taking a break, taking a walk, or sticking to observable facts.

Stay Open & Suspend Judgement

Don’t let bias or prejudice interfere. Stay open and encourage openness from the person you are communicating with. Suspend judgement. Check your assumptions. Seek to understand, even if you don’t like what you hear. Avoid a personal interpretation and listen to what the speaker is really saying. Verify that the message has been received in the way that the sender intended.

“Name it to Tame it”

Don’t fail to state or acknowledge your feelings. Instead, use the “name it to tame it” approach. Stating your emotions out loud can reduce their intensity and normalize emotions in a heated conversation.

Pay Attention to What is Not Being Said

Don’t fail to use non-verbal information. Do pay attention to what is not being said. Only 7% of our communication is verbal. Use welcoming and open body language, read the body language of the other. Show that you are interested and paying attention.

Practice Makes Perfect

DON’T worry, you don’t have to incorporate every single DO to be a better listener. By just incorporating one or two, you will already be a better listener.  No pressure, remember, the goal is to understand.

Downloadable Infographic

If you’d like to remember these tips, you can print them out as a full infographic from the files below.

Letter size (8.5×11) works, Legal size (8.5×14) is even better.

[Download PDF – Letter Size]

[Download PDF – Legal Size]

How Can I Be a Better Listener?Read More

Category: Resources

Finding Happiness – Or at Least Moments of Joy!

Last Updated: May 11, 2021

Enjoy this recording from our December 16, 2020 ADR Luncheon Webinar

In these unprecedented times when nothing is as it once was, it may be hard to remember what happiness feels like.

Our brains are wired to contemplate the worst-case scenarios and watching the news or Covid-19 update can reinforce this impending sense of doom.

We can learn ways to mourn what was and cannot be again, and find a path to a different kind of happy. It can be hard to find joy, to notice what makes us feel good and grounded and safe. 

Check out the recording below from our latest luncheon to help find some moments of light amid the darkness.

Presenter: Tara Livingston

Tara Livingston is a professional mediator, relationship coach and enthusiastic public speaker. A retired Anglican Priest, she earned her master’s degree in divinity from Trinity College at the University of Toronto with a focus on pastoral counseling, grief care and inter-faith dialogue. In addition to divorce mediation, she offers marriage preparation classes for couples about to embark on a new life journey. Tara is committed to guiding couples and families toward maintaining healthy relationships at their beginning, middle and end. As a parent of two resilient young men, she has a special passion for helping children to thrive during and after challenging times. 

As a presenter, Tara uses stories from her considerable professional and personal experience and legendary humour to inspire audiences of all kinds.

Finding Happiness – Or at Least Moments of Joy!Read More

Category: Resources, Webinar Recordings

Got Conflict? How to Address Disputes in your Non-Profit Organization

Last Updated: April 29, 2021

The ADR Institute of Alberta (ADRIA) receives many calls and referrals from the public in regard to Societies, Non-profits, and Charities that are experiencing conflict. Whenever both sides of a conflict are obligated or willing to come together and discuss their issues, ADRIA is often in a position to assist.

ADRIA’s online Directory, or any of our referral processes, connects people in conflict to an ADR professional who can offer mediation, arbitration, or other dispute resolution processes. ADRIA members can also help organizations with new bylaws or mechanisms to prevent and resolve future conflict.

Unfortunately, many organizations do not have robust conflict management options incorporated into their existing bylaws, and the provincial government does not offer any enforcement resources. Article 9 of the Societies Act does not specify a requirement to include bylaws regarding dispute resolution, although article 22 suggest a provision for arbitration.  Alberta’s Corporate Registry states on its website that “Societies must be prepared to resolve their own internal disputes”, and that it “does not supervise the conduct of societies, nor does it provide a counselling service”. In regard to internal disputes, “Corporate Registry recommends the adoption of a bylaw that outlines a mediation or arbitration procedure.” For this reason, calls to Service Alberta and Central Registry are usually referred to ADRIA or other community mediation resources.

Too often ADRIA is contacted by only one party or concerned member, and there is no opportunity to include the second party in any form of dispute resolution. ADRIA is not mandated or authorized to contact a second party, unless there are bylaw provisions that mandate mediation or arbitration. 

To facilitate more effective dispute resolution processes, a clause can be added to the society bylaws. For example, a clause might read:

X.1 Any dispute regarding the affairs of (the society) will be resolved by: 

a. Direct negotiation between the parties, with or without assistance and/or facilitation. If resolution is not achieved, then by:

b. Mediation conducted pursuant to ADR Canada’s Code of Conduct for Mediators, or to mediation practices agreed upon by the parties. If resolution is not achieved, then by:

c. Arbitration conducted pursuant to the Arbitration Act of Alberta, or to arbitration practices agreed upon by the parties, and the decision will bind all parties.

X.2 The language of any dispute resolution process shall be (English).

X.3 Dispute Resolution resources, including referrals for mediation and arbitration, may be available from the ADR Institute of Alberta (ADRIA) at www.adralberta.com or 780-433-4881.  

Many parties contacting ADRIA are not even able to secure a copy of the bylaws or contact the current officers of the society. Confirmation that a society remains in good standing, their bylaws, current officers, and annual reports are all available at any authorized Registry office in Alberta for a small fee. Reviewing these is often a good first step in resolving any conflict, particularly if the bylaws include any provision for dispute resolution. Obviously if any criminal activity is suspected, notably theft or fraud, then local police services should be contacted without delay.

Other Resources for Resolving Conflict in Non-Profits

Alberta’s Ministry of Culture & Tourism provides significant Board and Community Development resources, although they do not provide counselling or dispute resolution services . ADRIA is working closely with Service Alberta, Alberta Culture and Community Mediation groups to enhance the on-line and in-person resources that these organizations provide to the public.  
Some areas of the province have community mediation programs that can reach out and offer assistance to both parties, and these resources are often provided to not-for-profit groups free of charge.

  • Calgary: Community Mediation Calgary Society    
  • Edmonton: Mediation and Restorative Justice Centre
  • Sherwood Park: Strathcona County Community Mediation

Got Conflict? How to Address Disputes in your Non-Profit OrganizationRead More

Category: Resources

Truth & Reconciliation Work in Canada

Last Updated: June 3, 2021

As you may remember, our June Luncheon featured Ry Moran, founding Director of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation in Winnipeg

On November 25, 2020, the Canadian Club of Edmonton hosted Ry Moran, now inaugural Associate University Librarian (Reconciliation) at the University of Victoria for an engaging and informative presentation on the work of Truth & Reconciliation broadly underway across the country.

Watch the recording below to learn from Ry as he shares his extensive first-hand experience on the transformative steps underway in Canada, including how to confront and act upon some of the most troubling elements of our collective history together.

Ry Moran is Canada’s inaugural Associate University Librarian (Reconciliation) at the University of Victoria. Ry’s role within UVic Libraries’ focuses on building and sustaining relationships to introduce Indigenous approaches and knowledge into the daily work of the Libraries and more broadly across the campus community. In so doing, Ry plays an active role in advancing UVic’s strategic goal of being a globally recognized leader in areas of reconciliation.

Ry came to this position from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) hosted by the University of Manitoba. As the founding director, Ry guided the creation of the NCTR from its inception. Along the way, Ry contributed to major national initiatives such as the creation of the National Student Memorial Register, designation of multiple residential schools as national historical sites, development and launch of the Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada, and a major educational broadcast which reached over three million Canadians.

Prior to the NCTR, Ry served with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC). On the TRC’s behalf, he facilitated the gathering of nearly 7,000 video/audio-recorded statements of former residential school students and millions of pages archival records.

Truth & Reconciliation Work in CanadaRead More

Category: Webinar Recordings

The Important Work of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

Last Updated: June 2, 2021

National Indigenous Peoples Day is a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. The Canadian Constitution recognizes these three groups as Aboriginal peoples, also known as Indigenous peoples.

In honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day, take part in one of the many events happening online, check out some reading lists or visit a museum virtually!

You can also watch the recording of our June 2020 ADR Luncheon Webinar linked below.

Watch Ry Moran, Director of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation discuss the important work of this organization.

The Important Work of the National Centre for Truth and ReconciliationRead More

Category: Resources, Webinar Recordings

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