Tanya Hutchens |
| Paralegal |
Gold Star Legal Services |
|
Canada |
About Tanya Hutchens
Background
Championing for causes that help others establish their position in the community, Tanya Hutchens plays the roles of both activist and inspiration. As the first woman to receive accreditation as a Paralegal Litigator in Ontario, Tanya Hutchens now supports the Cory Commission's efforts to establish paralegal licenses in the province as a member of the Paralegal Association of Canada. Furthermore, Tanya Hutchens brought hope to paralegals everywhere when she became President of Gold Star Legal Services.
Victorious Cases
In many of the cases she prepared, Tanya Hutchens fought to bring justice on behalf of her clients that were involved with domestic dispute matters. Tanya Hutchens went into women's shelters and heard their tragic stories of abuse and violence in the home. Compelled to represent them in court, Tanya Hutchens created the files that made for victorious cases. Often times, Tanya Hutchens appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice's urgent family law matters division. By the end or her formal career in the courts, Tanya Hutchens brought hundreds of women to their children for 100 percent custody. Additionally, Tanya Hutchens placed restraining orders on these abusive boyfriends and husbands, allowing these women to move away from a dark past.
Coaching Self-Defense
Today, Tanya Hutchens continues her efforts as a self-defense coach. A level two black belt in the male-dominated martial art, tae-kwon-do, Tanya Hutchens proves to her female students that women are capable, independent, and strong. Because a woman's physical strength can be linked to her confidence, Tanya Hutchens encourages self-defense courses for a positive mindset. Moreover, Tanya Hutchens uses these classes as a vessel for a happy and healthful physical and mental well-being.
Art Zoccole Aboriginal Patients' Lodge and Family Housing Project
According to Tanya Hutchens member of the Paralegal Association of Canada, the housing project in Vancouver, British Columbia resulted in an affordable housing solution.Aboriginal people from remote areas of British Columbia who come to Vancouver for medical treatment may face challenges in finding adequate accommodation for themselves and their families. Away from their community and culture, they are may feel isolated and uncomfortable in a large city setting.
Hotels are expensive-especially for long stays-and don't have kitchens where traditional food can be prepared. Lower- cost rooms may be inappropriate for a patient's health needs.
The Lu'ma Native Housing Society worked with the Children's and Women's Health Centre of B.C., the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority and the B.C. Ministry of Health to build an Aboriginal patients' lodge that would be culturally sensitive and supportive-the first such facility in Canada.
The Affordable Housing Solution as presented by Tanya Hutchens from the CMHC report
Opened in 2004, the Art Zoccole Aboriginal Patients' Lodge and Family Housing Project offers affordable rental housing for Aboriginal families and housing for Aboriginal patients. Designed by Patrick Stewart, a renowned Nisga'a architect, the building incorporates contemporary features while reflecting Aboriginal culture and traditions. For example, each apartment includes a balcony on a log pedestal, reminiscent of a First Nation Long House. The three-storey building has 22 apartments, ranging from studios to four-bedroom-units. The family housing is on the top two floors. Seven of the units are dedicated to families visiting for medical reasons. The ground floor, which is the Aboriginal Patients' Lodge, has seven apartments, each with its own kitchen and bathroom.
The Art Zoccole Aboriginal Patient's Lodge offers support services including day care, transportation, housekeeping facilities, computers and a common room. The project is within walking distance of Vancouver General Hospital and the Children's and Women's Health Centre of B.C.
Aboriginal communities in B.C. contributed to the project, as did all three levels of government. Through the Affordable Housing Initiative, CMHC and the province contributed $967,000 toward construction costs.
The Art Zoccole Aboriginal Patient's Lodge won a CMHC Housing Award in 2006 for best practices in affordable housing.
Tanya Hutchens became President of Gold Star Legal Services.