June 29, 2021
Province Announces Rights Holders to Take Lead on Indigenous Court Workers Program Previously Delivered by Government
– – –Provincial Investment will Support Transition of Program that Helps Indigenous People Navigate the Court System: Friesen
The Manitoba government will transition operations of the Indigenous Court Workers Program to Indigenous rights holder organizations in key regional and circuit court locations, Justice Minister Cameron Friesen announced today.
“Our government is pleased to be taking another step toward reconciliation by shifting responsibility for court supports to the Indigenous-led organizations themselves,” said Friesen. “Shifting these resources to rights holder organizations who work directly with communities will ensure greater access to this valuable resource for Indigenous people who come in contact with the criminal justice system.”
Indigenous court workers provide culturally appropriate support and help Indigenous people navigate the courts system and connect to resources. These individuals will attend court with the accused, providing support to the accused and their family in the person’s language. They will also provide support to counsel and the courts to understand resources in the accused person’s community and may assist in connecting the accused with those resources. They also play an important role in ensuring victims and families are connected with Victims Services and other community-based resources, such as those for families of missing and murdered indigenous women.
The minister said the province will support the transition of the program by providing annual grants totalling more than $1 million a year for two years to four rights holder organizations including Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO), Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF), the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) and the Island Lake Tribal Council (ILTC).
“MKO is pleased to take the lead on the Indigenous Court Worker Program for our communities, said Grand Chief Garrison Settee, MKO. “Over the years, the program has been a valuable resource. Today’s announcement will assist with the implementation of restorative justice in northern Manitoba. Indigenous court workers provide culturally relevant services for Indigenous citizens involved with the justice system. Today’s announcement also marks an important step toward truth and reconciliation and the implementation of the 94 Calls to Action. The transition of the Indigenous Court Worker Program to Indigenous organizations will greatly improve cultural safety for our citizens, their families, and their communities.”
“For too long, the first peoples of this land have suffered at the hands of the justice system, facing racism, overrepresentation, neglect, violence and abuse,” said Grand Chief Jerry Daniels, SCO. “Now, with today’s announcement of the devolution of the ICW program, we can begin to forge a new path forward based on mutual respect and a recognition of the need for Indigenous-led justice services and programs. SCO looks forward to hiring strong advocates, who will work every day on behalf of southern First Nations and their citizens to create better outcomes and opportunities for our people.”
“With the overrepresentation of Indigenous peoples in Canada’s criminal justice system, there remains a strong need for Métis-led, culturally appropriate support and assistance,” said Julyda Lagimodiere, Justice Minister, MMF. “Restorative justice and consideration for the impacts to the family and the community are important parts of our nation’s identity. We look forward to providing support to those who need it.”
The minister noted the transition aligns with the Manitoba government’s commitment to advancing reconciliation, as well as key government priorities, including the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action and Manitoba Justice’s Criminal Justice System Modernization Strategy. He also noted this change would align Manitoba with other provinces that provide these services.
“We are confident that shifting these resources into the hands of the community will maximize the benefits of the program, and we are grateful to MKO, the MMF, the ILTC and SCO for their partnership and collaboration,” said Friesen.
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