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George Edwards, left, pictured with Justice Murray Sinclair in 2018.

George Edwards was an integral part of our NAN Legal community, and it is with great sadness that we announce his unexpected passing on August 24, 2023. There are no right words to express our sorrow, but we wish to share a moment of appreciation for a joyful life taken too soon.

After a 10-year career as a Nishnawbe Aski Police Services officer, George joined NAN Legal as one of the original three Gladue writers when the program began in 2014. Originally from Fort Albany First Nation, George was passionate about ensuring that our members receive access to justice and worked to address the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the criminal justice system and promoted pathways to healing. George was promoted to team lead and eventually became the Gladue manager in 2020, overseeing a team of 12 Gladue writers and caseworkers across our region. George was also instrumental in establishing and managing our Bail Bed program, set up in Timmins.

George was a family man and spoke often of his wife, children and grandchildren. We’re proud and all the better for having had him as part of our work family. He will be missed, and we will do our best to carry on his fervor, kindness, and compassion.

Mona wiskach nika Wani kis Kisinan kaki epichi kisay Waha tisiyan – We will never forget your kindness

For inquiries and information on our Gladue Program, please contact Lenny Carpenter, Interim Acting Gladue Manager, at lcarpenter@nanlegal.on.ca.