2021 Access to Justice Conference

This year’s ATJ Conference, themed Finding Joy in Justice Work: Centering Hope and Community Care, highlighted Indigenous approaches to justice rooted in resilience, healing, and the strength of community.

Over the years, the conference evolved from centering legal professionals to uplifting the lived expertise of impacted communities. In 2025, Indigenous voices were intentionally centered, honoring the deep wisdom they bring in embodying the conference’s theme. For generations, Indigenous communities have modeled what it means to survive and thrive through collective care, restorative practices, and shared strength.

This emphasis did not exclude other voices. The conference welcomed all communities engaged in justice work and encouraged reflection on how Indigenous values can strengthen our collective movement for equity. The message was clear: we are stronger together—at the intersections of our experiences—not in silos.