The Role of Elders and Knowledge Keepers in BC’s Justice Reform
Strategy 21 of the BC First Nations Justice Strategy is dedicated to the inclusion and utilization of Indigenous knowledge systems, particularly those held by Elders and Knowledge Keepers, in the transformation of justice services and structures. This strategy emphasizes the necessity of grounding justice initiatives in culturally relevant frameworks that honour Indigenous laws, protocols, and […]
EKKC Steering with Protocol
In miktúʔtn (June) 2024, the Elders and Knowledge Keepers Council (EKKC) and the BC First Nations Justice Council (BCFNJC) gathered on the shores of kɬúsx̌nítkʷ (Okanagan Lake). This meeting symbolized a canoe journey, focused on navigating the path toward justice and equity. The newly appointed EKKC led this journey, with Spokesperson Calvin Swustus Sr. from […]
Development of Foundational Cultural Competency Program for Justice Sector and Policing Partners
BCFNJC is planning, developing, and is working to launch a Foundational Cultural Competency Program. This foundational educational program will include online modules with objectives, learning comprehension exercises, and content that are geared to ensuring justice partners are fully educated on what it means to have culturally safe and appropriate interactions with Indigenous people in the […]
BCFNJC Leads Transformation of Gladue Report Services Toward Staff-Centric Model
In the pursuit of maintaining high standards of quality and consistency, our organization is undergoing a significant transition from a roster-based model of Gladue Report writers to a staff-centric approach. This shift, which began with the introduction of Support Worker roles to bolster cultural competence and trauma-informed care, has empowered our team to collaborate closely […]
Sustainable, Long-Term Core Funding Needed
The BC Cabinet approved Strategy 3 in 2020, however, BCFNJC has not yet received an invitation from the Treasury Board for core funding. BCFNJC receives funding from three primary sources: the provincial government, the federal government, and the Law Foundation of BC. Some of the funding is prescribed, while federal funding sometimes passes through the […]
BC announced the $10M in June 2023 at the Chilliwack IJC opening
Indigenous Peoples will have access to better legal supports and healing opportunities with the opening of a new Indigenous Justice Centre in Chilliwack and $10 million in funding to support First Nations’ community-based justice programs. “Making our communities safer means addressing the core issues that bring people into conflict with the law and their neighbours […]
Indigenous-led secretariat will help improve access to justice
To better address the overrepresentation of Indigenous Peoples in the justice system and Indigenous children and youth in care, the Province has launched a new cross-ministry Indigenous Justice Secretariat, a commitment outlined in the BC First Nations Justice Strategy. The secretariat will work with all partners to lead the transformative change needed to create the […]
