Developed with Indigenous leadership and the Province of BC, the BC First Nations Justice Strategy outlines a plan for transformative change of the existing justice to improve outcomes for Indigenous people, and supports the restoration of First Nations justice systems and structures
Development and purpose
Indigenous people in the province of British Columbia continue to be disproportionately and negatively harmed by the criminal justice system. The alarming overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the criminal justice system and children in state custody, along with the distinct lack of culturally appropriate and responsive legal services and resources, highlights the critical need for transformative change.
To advance this transformation and address the poor justice outcomes experienced by Indigenous people, the BC First Nations Justice Strategy was signed by the BC First Nations Justice Council and the Province of BC on March 6, 2020. The Strategy was endorsed by BC First Nations leadership, through resolutions of the BC Assembly of First Nations, First Nations Summit, and Union of BC Indian Chiefs.
In 2021, a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding was signed between BCFNJC, the Province of BC (Ministry of Attorney General, Public Safety and Solicitor General) and the Canadian government (Department of Justice, Public Safety Canada) to jointly advance the Strategy.
Providing a clear and comprehensive road map to the fundamental transformation of the justice system in BC, the Strategy has been shaped and informed by the collective wisdom and lived experience of Indigenous people, the recognition and implementation of Indigenous Title and Rights, the respect for gender diversity and human rights of all Indigenous citizens, particularly 2SLGBTQIA+ persons and Indigenous women and girls, and the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, particularly with respect to the justice sector.
The long-term goal of the Strategy is to systematically advance the development and implementation of Indigenous justice systems and institutions, so that Indigenous laws and governments are ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens and maintaining order and balance within communities.
Reforming the existing
justice system
Supporting the restoration of First Nations justice systems and structures
While the Strategy has been specifically prepared to address the realities faced by First Nations peoples in BC, it supports collaboration and relationship-building amongst all Indigenous peoples.
It also recognizes the necessary and vital role both BC and Canada must play in the work ahead, and sets out specific areas of collaboration with both the provincial and federal government, with which BCFNJC has a tripartite agreement.
The Strategy also recognizes that there are shared, as well as some distinct, realities faced by other Indigenous peoples in BC, in particular the Métis who have put forward their own Justice Strategy with the province.
Transformative change to the legal system requires a holistic approach and we are actively working to improve justice outcomes for all Indigenous people impacted by the colonial justice system, including First Nations, Metis, and Inuit.
