The Challenge
For many Indigenous people, navigating the colonial justice system is a challenging, isolating, and frustrating experience that can negatively impact all areas of an individual’s life, from mental health to housing and employment. In addition to high rates of incarceration and justice system involvement, Indigenous people experience many challenges in accessing legal supports and services that are culturally appropriate, responsive, and that recognize and address the impacts of intergenerational trauma.
The Solution
BCFNJC has been actively working on the establishment and operation of 15 IJCs across the province. IJCs are safe and welcoming spaces in the community that offer culturally appropriate justice services to support Indigenous people with their interactions in the colonial legal system. IJCs provide service delivery at the “case” level as well as engagement and justice solution development at the community level. As justice issues do not exist in isolation, each IJC also provides wraparound supports to connect people to housing, diversion, safety, treatment, and restorative justice programs.
IJCs will also house legal aid and Gladue services, which are integral to Track 1 of the Strategy. IJCs will also provide a strong foundation for Track 2 work as they can be spaces to work collaboratively with First Nations to develop justice solutions, expand services, and revitalize First Nations legal orders.
