The BC First Nations Justice Council said the new national Indigenous Justice Strategy will help to address systemic discrimination and the over-representation of Indigenous people in Canada’s justice system.
Five years after the creation the BC First Nations Justice Strategy, Canada has now released a federal justice strategy.
Council chair Kory Wilson stated systemic racism and discrimination are at the root of the problem and there’s a need for change.
“I think it’s fair to say that the entire system has failed Indigenous people because in every part of the system, if you look, we get the negative end.”
Wilson added Indigenous people are more likely to die at the hands of police, be arrested, followed in a store, denied bail at a higher percentage, or have charges proceed and receive longer sentences.
She mentioned the national and provincial strategies will help change a punitive system to one that looks at the individual and the supports and resources they need to stay out of the prison system.
Wilson believes the legacy of colonization and ongoing inequities in education, employment, and social services are among the many factors that need to be addressed.
“We would never have a problem with the justice system if Indigenous people didn’t come into contact with it.”
She added there is a need to strengthen communities, build nations, keep Indigenous people in schools.
Wilson notes there’s a worker shortage in Canada and they are the fastest growing population in Canada.
She mentioned there’s a need go have “that fastest growing population educated,” to give them the skills and ability to support themselves and their families and contribute to the Canadian economy.
The BCFNJC stated the national strategy will complement and enhance the BC First Nations Justice Strategy which has helped dismantle systemic racism and address the over-representation of Indigenous Peoples in BC’s justice system through a variety of actions, including Indigenous Justice Centres, the takeover of Gladue services, and the education of justice service workers.
The council says it is committed to working with Indigenous peoples across the country in partnership to breakdown and remove all colonial barriers and advance the revitalization of First Nations legal orders.
“We call on Canada to prioritize long term sustainable funding for the Nations, communities and organizations that are leading the work and paving the way for true systemic change. We know that investment in our communities and laws will make safer communities, save money, and save lives. Continuing the status quo is not an option.”
The BC First Nations Justice Strategy was developed by BC First Nations and the province endorsed the Strategy in 2020.
Wilson is from a Kwakwaka’wakw family, the daughter of the late hereditary chief Bill Wilson and the sister of former Justice Minister and Attorney General of Canada, Jody Wilson-Raybould.
She chairs the BCFNJC, is the Executive Director of Indigenous Initiatives and Partnerships for the BC Institute of Technology, a member of the BC Law Society and practices criminal defense and family law.
Wilson is the Chair of the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics Indigenous Affinity Group.
– with files from My Cowichan Valley Now staff
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