Increasing Indigenous Representation in the BC Prosecution Service
The Challenge: The BC Prosecution Service (BCPS) and Crown Counsel play a critical role in the criminal justice system. BCPS is the provincial prosecution service in BC responsible for promoting public safety, justice, and respect for the rule of law. It does this by conducting or supervising prosecutions and appeals in all levels of courts […]
Building a Strong Partnership with Canada
The Challenge The Strategy advances many strategies and lines of action that assume and require some levels of participation by Canada. Leadership from Canada and direct federal government action is also needed to advance many vital elements that have not been addressed in this Strategy, including reform of the Criminal Code. The Solution BCFNJC will […]
Tracking the Progress and Impact of the Strategy
The Challenge The Strategy contains many distinct yet interdependent strategies that impact all areas of the justice system, from community-based programming to the court system. With such a large scope of work, involving many justice partners, transparency and accountability are core values that need to be upheld. First Nations and Indigenous groups need to be […]
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 […]
Growing Community Justice Programs
The Challenge First Nations community-based programming is critical to making progress on both Track 1 and Track 2 of the Strategy. Communities need programs that are prevention and healing based, trauma-informed, and culturally grounded, so that Gladue Principles can be fully upheld, and the presumption of diversion can be reflected at all stages of interaction […]
Expanding Culturally-Based Programming in BC Corrections
The Challenge More culturally based programs are needed throughout Corrections to support the healing journeys of Indigenous people, alongside alternatives to corrections that are First Nations designed, based, and controlled. Studies and experience have repeated the importance of cultural norms, practices, and programming within corrections, both as part of rehabilitation and healing, and as part […]
Transparency and Information Sharing Across Corrections
The Challenge First Nations must be able to support their members who are within the corrections system. To do this, First Nations must know where they are, when they may be moved, and when a move has occurred. Without such basic information, a significant obstacle exists for First Nations to provide cultural and other supports […]
Improving Justice Outcomes for Indigenous Women, Girls and 2 Spirit (2S+) People
The Challenge Overrepresented as victims of crime and over-incarcerated in Canada’s prison system, Indigenous women and girls have, since colonization, experienced the overwhelmingly destructive and harmful impacts of the criminal justice system. As the ongoing Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2 Spirit (2s+) People (MMIWG2S+) Crisis highlights, Indigenous Women, Girls and 2 Spirit […]
Improving Justice Outcomes for Indigenous Youth
The Challenge In BC, Indigenous youth continue to experience higher rates of incarcerations and involvement in the child welfare system. Systemic inequalities, rooted in historical and ongoing colonialism, continue to create conditions of unbelonging and disconnection for Indigenous youth and children who feel alienated and unable to access the support of their communities and families. […]
Expanding a Network of Indigenous Justice Centres
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 […]
