On July 3, 2007, an important centre of community was lost. Alisa Noda was, and will remain, an inspiration to anyone who knew her. In her work in Aboriginal Law, West Coast LEAF, and in her own neighbourhood, Alisa Noda acted as a convener, facilitator, negotiator, and advisor. Her work in the legal profession spanned two and a half decades, beginning at Justice Canada, and ending with the firm of Noda and Associates. In every place in her life, Alisa believed in collaboration, and the idea that the contributions of a diverse group of individuals would always produce a better result.

Over the years of West Coast LEAF, many women and men have contributed their time, expertise, money, and passion for equality. The organization, like all non-profits, has had times of change and times of great stress. Sometimes the issue is funding (as the recent closure of NAWL attests), sometimes it is internal politics, sometimes it is an external challenge. Often a fork in the organization’s life will appear in those times – one path leading to a painful closure, another path leading to dynamic redefined role. Taking the right path requires true leadership at the helm, something all non-profits seek.

Alisa was certainly such a leader for West Coast LEAF. The CBABC recognized her contributions to West Coast LEAF when she was awarded the Community Service Award in 2005. And her commitment to the organization cost her – she once estimated that her income went down by $20,000 a year while she was Chair of the Board. She also donated over $10,000 to West Coast LEAF above and beyond her time, good humour, intelligence, and ubiquitous red pen!

Losing a friend and colleague is never easy, but Alisa would not have asked for a lot of attention or maudlin grief. She only asked, as she did when she was alive: that one take one’s profession seriously; do what is right and just in one’s work; give to community in whatever ways one can; and serve one’s clients with dignity and respect. Thank you, Alisa.

This article was published in the December 2007 issue of BarTalk and is subject to the copyright by the British Columbia Branch of the Canadian Bar Association, 2007, all rights reserved.