The Hon. D.G. Fraser

This interview with Justice Donald Gordon Fraser of the Kenora Provincial Bench provides extensive insights into northern Ontario criminal law practice and First Nations justice issues. Fraser describes his legal career beginning with articles under Malcolm Robb, his move to Kenora in 1976 with his wife Judy Little (later also appointed to the bench), and their general practice serving largely First Nations clients. He discusses the complexities of practicing law in remote northern communities, including the challenges of language interpretation, cultural differences in concepts of justice, and the evolution from OPP’s north-west patrol to the Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service.

Fraser was appointed to the Provincial Bench in 1988, becoming part of the first husband-wife judicial team in Canadian history. His judicial work involved extensive travel to remote communities, often dealing with cases involving alcohol-related violence and social dysfunction stemming from broader systemic issues. He emphasizes how northern courts developed more informal, community-oriented approaches to justice, including “town hall” style proceedings that incorporated traditional First Nations speaking practices.

As Regional Senior Judge from 2004, Fraser became heavily involved in judicial education, particularly developing innovative oral judgment training programs for the National Judicial Institute. He expresses significant concern about the deterioration of First Nations policing and education systems, arguing that well-intentioned policies of local autonomy have often led to inadequate oversight and support, creating cycles of failure rather than building sustainable community capacity.

This description was written by AI and may contain some inaccuracies.