The strategy was developed in partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities
Justice minister and Attorney General of Canada Arif Virani has unveiled Canada’s inaugural Indigenous Justice Strategy.
The strategy was developed in partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis, including modern treaty and self-government partners. The strategy’s chapters highlight unique, distinctions-based principles and priorities to progress self-determination, community safety and the revitalization of Indigenous laws and legal orders.
The strategy is inspired by Indigenous ways of knowing on justice and healing, according to the government. It takes the whole person into account, acknowledges the effect of trauma, and respects the diversity of Indigenous peoples. The government also obtained input from Indigenous women, youth, Elders, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQI+ persons, urban and other Indigenous organizations and groups, and justice system practitioners.
The government also worked with provinces and territories on the strategy. Categorized into seven themes, the strategy seeks to push transformative reforms in the criminal justice system.
“Canada’s first-ever Indigenous Justice Strategy is a crucial step forward to address longstanding and systemic discrimination and racism in Canada’s justice system. The intensive distinctions-based engagement process undertaken over the past two years was critical to ensure the Strategy reflects the specific realities and barriers faced by First Nations, Inuit and Métis, while also respecting their distinct laws, cultures and traditions,” Virani said in a statement.
Gary Anandasangaree, minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs and minister in charge of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, explained that the strategy took inspiration from the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Initially, the strategy will be supported by funding from Budget 2024 and current resources. The government will also leverage justice-focused collaborative tables and processes with Indigenous partners, provinces and territories to progress regional priority-setting and cost-shared implementation plans.
“The Indigenous Justice Strategy reflects years of advocacy and the direction set by First Nations-in-Assembly to push for that meaningful change. This work has been shaped by the leadership of First Nations, and we acknowledge the efforts of the B.C. First Nations Justice Council and others who have contributed to advancing First Nations-led justice solutions,” Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, Assembly of First Nations national chief, said in a statement. “The Strategy must be implemented in a way that respects First Nations laws, legal traditions, and self-determination. First Nations are already exercising their inherent rights to revitalize their legal systems and lead community-based justice initiatives.”
