What We Heard – Our Elders: Patrick Lulua
Hear from Patrick Lulua, from the Tshilqot’in Nation, on the importance of moving away from colonial systems and reintroducing community-based justice practices rooted in the teachings.
What We Heard – A Youth Story: smukaqen Marchand
Hear smukaqen Marchand, from the Okanagan Indian Band, share a personal story that highlights the urgency of justice reform rooted in mental health and community healing.
What We Heard – Charlee’s Drum: Kristi Den Admirant
Listen to Kristi Den Admirant, from Blueberry River First Nation, share the powerful story of her daughter Charlee’s drum and what empowered her to take on the work of the IWJP.
What We Heard – Hope for the Future: Chief Don Tom
Listen to Chief Don Tom from Tsartlip First Nation share his vision for reclaiming justice for Indigenous Peoples and the need to honour our Ancestors and breath hope into the future.
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 […]
3rd Annual Justice Forum – Minister’s Panel: Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
Ministers Panel – BCFNJC’s Tripartite Relationship and Commitment to Collaboration. Through a pre-recorded video message, the Honourable Arif Virani emphasized that collaboration was at the core of reconciliation work, and this included the implementation of the UNDA Action Plan, which is guided by the principles of consultation, cooperation, and co-development. Minister Virani looked forward to […]
3rd Annual Justice Forum – Minister’s Panel: Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, MP, Public Safety Canada
Through a pre-recorded video message, Dominic Leblanc thanked the BCFNJC for their efforts on behalf of First Nations communities in BC to address the decades-long trend of over representation of First Nations people in Canada’s criminal justice system.
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 […]
