Shelbi Jonathan

Background

About Shelbi Jonathan

I am the Indigenous Justice Liaison Officer, formerly titled Justice Coordinator at the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA). For the last 4+ years in this leadership role, my work is deeply rooted in advocacy for Indigenous women and girls involved in the criminal justice system. By utilizing my expertise of over 15+ years working in Indigenous communities and for Indigenous people navigating the complexities of the Criminal Justice System. This leadership role at ONWA is dedicated to facilitating and coordinating the Gladue requests across Ontario courts for ONWA’s Gladue Program. I am also responsible for providing education and training to judicial staff, including Senior and Regional Judges, Justices of the Peace, the Crowns offices and legal staff. I continue to train, educate and inform the legal issues that Indigenous women, girls and 2spirit community members face in the legal systems in Ontario. I also currently serve as a part-time contract Faculty at Wilfrid Laurier University. I share my Indigenous teachings, lived experiences and knowledge within the Indigenous Studies, Criminology, Law and Society and Social work departments. I include engagement with students in critical dialogues on Indigenous forms of justice, Indigenous children and families, Gender and traditional roles within Indigenous communities. My mission is to intertwine my practical work with academia, fostering a holistic understanding of Indigenous justice and the pursuit of equitable treatment within society. I also currently complete other volunteer duties within my own community of Six Nations, along with research opportunities and part-time Gladue writing work to fulfil my passion in advocacy, support and continued education on Indigenous issues. First and foremost, I am a dedicated mother of 3 girls and a partner. I am Kanienʼkeháka (Mohawk, Bear Clan) from Six Nations on my mother’s side,(Mohawk, Turtle clan) on my father’s side.