We call upon the federal, provincial, and territorial governments to provide sufficient and stable funding to implement and evaluate community sanctions that will provide realistic alternatives to imprisonment for Aboriginal offenders and respond to the underlying causes of offending.
March 27, 2024: The Gladue Services Department (BC) expanded its team in June 2023 from two full-time writers to a team of thirteen and is currently transitioning from a roster of Gladue Report Writers to a staff model of permanent, full-time writers. The expanded staff model also includes roles for Support Workers who can enhance cultural competency and trauma-informed care and collaborate with staff writers and Indigenous communities to implement restorative justice plans, gather resources, and develop comprehensive healing plans and aftercare reports for people served.
Bill C-22 “An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act “ died with the dissolution of parliament on Aug. 15, 2021 due to the federal election. The Act was intended to repeal the use of Mandatory Minimum sentences for 14 of 67 offences and increase the use of conditional sentencing orders (CSOs) in cases where an offender faces a term of less than two years imprisonment and does not pose a threat to public safety. the Bill was re-introduced on Feb. 18, 2021
The federal government has extended funding for three specific programs:
- Indigenous Courtwork Program: Budget 2016 increased annual funding from $5.5M to $9.5M.
- Indigenous Justice Program: Budget 2017 allocated a permanent amount of $11M annually. (CBC Beyond94 reported historical budget amount that was flagged as insufficient to meet the needs)
- Indigenous Community Corrections Initiative: Budget 2017 allocated $10M over 5 years to Public Safety Canada
One area of concern is the Capacity Building Fund of the Aboriginal Justice Initiative is no longer accepting applications despite significant success of the program in reducing recidivism.
Provinces/Territories are also implementing Restorative Justice programs.
Current Status
In Progress
Call to Action
last updated
March 27, 2024
Latest Updates
Indigenous-led Restorative Justice programs
A Year of Rapid Growth and Improvement: Reviewing the Progress of BC’s Indigenous-led Gladue Services
NationTalk: Since the BC First Nations Justice Council assumed responsibility for Gladue Services in 2021, tremendous strides have been made to improve the quality, awareness,……
March 27, 2024
Actions to Reduce Overrepresentation
Empowering communities to boost access to justice
NationTalk: A new one-time grant will support community-based initiatives to increase access to justice for Albertans. Resolving legal issues outside the traditional court system can……
January 30, 2024
Indigenous-led Restorative Justice programs
Supporting Indigenous-led justice and victims services in Six Nations
NationTalk: Department of Justice Canada – Ohsweken, Ontario- Advancing reconciliation requires supporting culturally appropriate, Indigenous-led and community-based justice services, and building policies informed by the lived……
December 13, 2023
Actions to Reduce Overrepresentation
New program to house, help Indigenous women who are released from jail opens in Saskatoon
Saskatoon Tribal Council will operate program with support from all levels of gov’t. 3twenty Modular, the company which designed the housing complex, offered the STC……
April 14, 2023
Actions to Reduce Overrepresentation
New Indigenous Justice Centre coming to Kelowna
INDIGENOUS JUSTICE CENTRES Photo: BCFNJC Indigenous residents in Kelowna will be able to access “culturally appropriate justice services” by the end of this year. Earlier……
March 31, 2023
Indigenous-led Restorative Justice programs
Yukon First Nation aims to develop alternative justice system for some crimes
Carcross/Tagish First Nation official says traditional courts can be revolving door for Indigenous communities A talking circle was held in Carcross, Yukon, on Wednesday to……
March 23, 2023
Actions to Reduce Overrepresentation
Manitoba Indigenous organizations taking the lead on court supports
Delivery of the Indigenous Court Work Program is being transferred to four groups Delivery of the Indigenous Court Work Program is being transferred from the……
February 7, 2023
Indigenous-led Restorative Justice programs
Court-ordered community hours go towards healing in Indigenous-led justice efforts in Montreal
Mohawk-Cree teepee space helping give Indigenous ex-detainees culture and healing A moose hunt as a way to carry out court-ordered community hours. Some support workers……
January 19, 2023
Indigenous-led Restorative Justice programs
Legal Aid Ontario and Aboriginal Legal Services sign new service agreement
NationTalk: Aboriginal Legal Services (ALS) and Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) are pleased to announce that they entered into a new service agreement, under the Legal Aid……
January 11, 2023
Indigenous-led Restorative Justice programs
Southern Chiefs Organization (SCO) Launches Restorative Justice Digital Wellness Program
NationTalk: ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is launching a Restorative Justice Digital Wellness Program, guided by SCO’s Community Justice……
August 25, 2022