What We Heard – The Heart’s Experience: Tina Miller
Listen to Tina Miller, a member of the Nisga’a Nation, explain her approach to the IWJP, which is powerfully rooted in her lived experiences and commitment to supporting the efforts of the collective.
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 – Policing Perspectives: Mike Sallis
Mike Sallis, from Lyackson First Nations, is a recently retired RCMP member. Listen to Mike share his unique perspective on the justice system, grounded in his experiences from both law enforcement and community advocacy.
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.
Local to International Connections Developed
Key Achievements: Collaborative Relationships The Legal Aid Transition Team has made significant progress in strengthening both cross-bundle and external collaborations. We’ve established valuable connections with the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation (MIRR), the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD), and the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) through Bundle D which is in […]
Legal Aid Transition Planning Begins
The Legal Aid Transition Team at the BCFNJC has made significant strides in developing an innovative and holistic legal service delivery model tailored to the needs of Indigenous people in BC this summer. Our work is focused on improving access to justice and addressing the overrepresentation of Indigenous children in care. A major milestone was […]
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 […]
