Chilliwack – Chilliwack Area 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.
In B.C., Indigenous Peoples comprise about 5% of the population, yet account for approximately 30% of people who are incarcerated in B.C. To help address the this, the Province is working with the BC First Nations Justice Council to advance the BC First Nations Justice Strategy, which reflects the vision and priorities of First Nations communities to transform B.C.’s justice system.
Indigenous Justice Centres (IJCs) and First Nations community justice programs are key parts of the strategy. Indigenous Justice Centres provide culturally appropriate information, advice, supports and representation for Indigenous Peoples involved in the justice system for both criminal and child-protection matters. The centres aim to address the circumstances that may have led to the offences in the first place and ensure that needs, such as housing, mental-health and addictions treatment and employment services are addressed.
“Justice systems grounded in Indigenous self-determination will right the wrongs of the past and sustain safety, balance and wellness,” said Kory Wilson, chair, BC First Nations Justice Council. “Indigenous approaches to justice, with culturally appropriate supports, hold the most promise to address the issue of over-representation of Indigenous people in the justice system. Our IJCs, supported by justice programs and workers from local Nations, will move the needle and make B.C. communities safer for all.”
The BC First Nations Justice Council is developing an application process for First Nations to apply for new funding to support community justice programs. The funding can also be used by First Nations to establish justice worker teams that will help community members navigate the justice system.
Kelli Paddon, MLA for Chilliwack-Kent – “Indigenous Peoples know their own needs. But for too long, governments have imposed their own laws, systems and values. We are learning from Indigenous justice wisdom to inform a future in which Indigenous Peoples have better justice outcomes.”
Dan Coulter, MLA for Chilliwack – “For too long, our colonial criminal justice system has not considered the unique circumstances of the people who come into contact with it. I’m thrilled that the Indigenous Peoples in my constituency and surrounding areas will now have access to an Indigenous Justice Centre. I know that BCFNJC, Stó꞉lō leadership and Chilliwack’s urban Indigenous community, will ensure their communities have the supports they need to build bright futures.”