We call upon the federal, provincial, territorial, and Aboriginal governments to commit to eliminating the overrepresentation of Aboriginal youth in custody over the next decade.
Why “In Progress?”
April 20, 2022: The annual average daily count of youth in custody decreased by 27% in 2020/2021. Indigenous youth accounted for 50% of youth admissions to custody in 2020/2021, while representing 8% of the population. Male Indigenous youth represented 485 of youth male admissions to custody while female Indigenous youth represented 62% of youth female admissions to custody
“Bill C-75 “An Act to Amend the Criminal Code, Youth Criminal Justice Act and other Acts and to make consequential amendments to other Acts” received Royal assent on June 21, 2019. Bill C-75 includes amendments “that seek alternatives for administration of justice offences, revisions to conditions imposed at bail or sentencing stage and limit the use of custodial sentences”.
Justice Canada continues to invest in key flagship programs which support a reduction of Indigenous youth in the criminal justice system, including the:
- Youth Justice Services Funding Program
- Youth Justice Fund,
- Indigenous Courtwork Program
- Indigenous Justice Program
The provinces and territories are initiating their own reforms as well.
Indigenous Youth represent approximately 8% of the population but 50% of youth in custody.
Current Status
In Progress
Call to Action
last updated
May 16, 2024
Latest Updates
Actions to Reduce Overrepresentation
Helping youth involved in the Criminal Justice System reintegrate into their communities
NationTalk: Department of Justice Canada – Across the country, governments, police, lawyers, judges and community partners are working with communities and families to prevent youth……
May 16, 2024
Govt. Actions to Reduce Overrepresentation
Expanding legal supports and services for Indigenous people living in urban areas
ionTalk: Department of Justice Canada – Toronto: Everyone in Canada should expect to live in a society where the justice system is fair and accessible.……
December 8, 2023
Govt. Actions to Reduce Overrepresentation
Quebec Cree leaders move to adapt youth services to the ‘Eeyou way of life’
Cree Youth Protection Commission to travel territory gathering stories and solutions Bertie Wapachee, left, chairperson of the Cree health board welcomes Cindy Blackstock, right, the……
September 14, 2023
Actions to Reduce Overrepresentation
New program to reduce number of Manitoba Indigenous youth in custody
Small notes with the names of children and the words ‘every child matters’ tied with orange ribbons on the fence surrounding an primary school as……
October 4, 2022
Actions to Reduce Overrepresentation
Manitoba Government provides culturally safe and supportive programming to reduce Indigenous youth involvement in the Justice System
As part of the Manitoba government’s ongoing efforts to advance reconciliation, healing and support stronger families and safer communities, the province is partnering with Marymound……
October 3, 2022
Government Programs to improve Access to Justice…
BC First Nations Justice Strategy
“Dept. of Justice, Canada – Announcement of the signing of a tripartite memorandum of understanding (MOU) between BC, Canada and BC First Nations Justice Council……
January 20, 2022
Actions to Reduce Overrepresentation
Signing Tripartite MOU to support BC First Nations Justice Strategy
Dept. of Justice, Canada – Announcement of the signing of a tripartite memorandum of understanding (MOU) between BC, Canada and BC First Nations Justice Council to……
January 20, 2022
Actions to Reduce Overrepresentation
Breaking the Cycle: An Update on the Use of Segregation and Solitary Confinement in Manitoba Youth Custody Facilities
The Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth (MACY) is renewing her call for more mental health and cultural supports for youth in custody in the……
June 15, 2021
Actions to Reduce Overrepresentation
National Indigenous Courtworkers: Indigenous Youth-Centered Justice Project
Approx. $2.5M over 5 yrs. from from the Youth Justice Fund Support to Ryerson University for its “National Indigenous Courtworkers: Indigenous Youth-Centered Justice Project (IYJP)“.……
March 2, 2021
Govt Prog. to improve Access to Justice for Aborig. Youth
Dec 21, 2020
Identified a joint working group with the department of Families and Justice that is reviewing the intersections between these two systems and the pathways that……
December 21, 2020