February 7, 2023
Manitoba Government Signs Service Delivery Agreements with Indigenous Leaders to Transition Indigenous Court Work Program
– – –Indigenous-Led Program Will Provide Better Support, Outcomes: Goertzen
The Manitoba government has signed service delivery agreements with Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO), Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) and the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) to begin the process of transferring the Indigenous Court Work Program to Indigenous communities, Justice Minister Kelvin Goertzen announced today.
“The Manitoba government remains committed to working with our community partners through this valuable program to address the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the criminal justice system,” said Goertzen. “We know that supporting Indigenous-led solutions is imperative to making meaningful progress on the path to reconciliation, and we look forward to ongoing meaningful reciprocal and respectful relationships that ensure appropriate services and supports are being delivered.”
The minister noted the Manitoba government is also finalizing an agreement with Island Lake Tribal Council (ILTC) and expects to have all agreements finalized in the near future.
The Indigenous Court Work Program provides services for Indigenous people involved in the justice system to obtain fair, just, equitable and culturally relevant support. This includes a holistic approach to court service by supporting the accused and families, while providing timely connections to resource agencies and court officials. Services in an individual’s own Indigenous language are also available to allow better understanding of charges and the criminal justice system. Indigenous court workers also ensure victims and families are connected with victim services, including assistance for families of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.
The Manitoba government, in partnership with the Government of Canada, is supporting the program transition by providing grants of more than $1 million a year for two years to the four organizations, the minister noted.
“Indigenous people are alarmingly overrepresented in Canada’s justice system. By providing support for culturally appropriate justice services and programs, we are helping bring systemic change to address this unacceptable reality. The continued delivery of Indigenous court worker services in Manitoba will support our efforts to address systemic discrimination against Indigenous peoples, and improve access to justice and fairness in our justice system,” said the Honourable David Lametti, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada.
Goertzen noted the transfer of the program was initiated in 2021 and is based on feedback from Indigenous communities. The minister also said the change aligns with Manitoba’s commitment to advancing reconciliation and other key government priorities, including the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action and Manitoba Justice’s Criminal Justice System Modernization Strategy.
“For over 40 years, Indigenous court workers have played an important role in supporting Indigenous people involved in the criminal justice system. In addition to this role, Indigenous court workers are important liaisons and sources of information and knowledge to the courts,” said Chief Judge Margaret Wiebe. “Together we will establish policies for the Indigenous Court Work Program to ensure Indigenous people are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve, while ensuring the services provided take into account the unique backgrounds, languages, interests and circumstances of Indigenous people within the criminal justice system.”
Several reports, including the recommendations identified through the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry and calls for justice detailed in Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry Into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, have also recommended programs be more closely linked with Indigenous communities.
“We are encouraged by the transfer of the Indigenous Court Work Program to our organization. Having our organization deliver these vital services within the justice system supports the accused and their families through an often unsettling process as a case winds its way through the courts,” said Grand Chief Garrison Settee, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc. “We have increased our capabilities to help the Indigenous Peoples of the MKO region through the realization of this transition.”
“The Southern Chiefs’ Organization is looking forward to providing this valuable service to make an immediate impact in the courtroom for our citizens. We also expect this service to have far-reaching significance for our First Nations,” said Grand Chief Jerry Daniels, SCO. “SCO’s First Nation court workers will enhance our justice program as we continue to improve access to resources that can help to promote true justice. I am pleased these supports are no longer out of reach but are being made readily available through a co-ordinated support system that includes SCO community justice workers.”
“The national government of the Red River Métis applauds today’s announcement by the Manitoba government. 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 Justice Minister Julyda Lagimodiere, MMF. “The transfer of responsibility for the Indigenous Court Work Program is a step towards ensuring that Red River Métis people will have access to support services within the court system. This transfer will help us provide Red River Métis-specific programming for our citizens. We look forward to providing support to those who need it.”
The Indigenous Court Work Program has resulted in many positive outcomes across Manitoba and Canada and the Manitoba government looks forward to continuing this important collaboration with Indigenous governments, Goertzen said.
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