News Releases

August 13, 2026

OPASKWAYAK CREE NATION—The Manitoba government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN) to establish a community court in OCN that would integrate Cree legal traditions, restorative justice principles and culturally grounded approaches into the administration of justice, Justice Minister Matt Wiebe announced here today.

“This MOU is a pivotal marker on the path to reconciliation in Manitoba and this agreement reflects our government’s commitment to expand our justice system to meet the needs of communities across Manitoba,” said Wiebe. “Our government deeply values our ongoing partnership with the leadership and elders of OCN, and we will continue to advance a community-driven justice model that meets the needs of all Manitobans in the region.” 

This court is an essential addition to OCN’s broader justice initiative, the Kenanow Onusawawin Ekweskeet Community Court Centre, an Indigenous restorative justice model that focuses on culturally appropriate crime prevention, healing and reintegration into the community. The Cree name translates to “our justice” and “turning your life around.”

“For decades, we have been policing our own community, and as we have grown, we have adapted to the provincial and federal government’s methods of justice. Today, we are taking control back,” said Chief Michael Constant, OCN. “This process will allow us to help our community members heal and gives us control of our destiny. This shows our premier and our cabinet are committed to supporting our community and communities across Manitoba.”

The court will look to incorporate Indigenous principles such as land-based healing, holistic justice principles, elder guidance and community involvement, creating a justice environment that promotes culturally appropriate and effective rehabilitation, the minister noted.

Under the Provincial Court Act, the justice minister designates locations where the provincial court sits in consultation with the chief judge. Following extensive engagement with the community, the chief judge of the Manitoba Provincial Court endorsed establishing the community court in OCN. The Manitoba government continues to work with OCN and the provincial court to develop a court process that serves community members in a culturally appropriate way, the minister added.

The Manitoba government has done extensive work to expand restorative justice options in the court system, including:

• creating more than 100 options for diversions;
• funding the Indigenous Court Worker Program to support people in the justice system;
• developing an Indigenous Justice Action Plan to lead departmental reconciliation work; and
• requiring Crown attorneys to consider diversion and restorative justice whenever appropriate.

“This is a symbol of the partnership between our community and the government to prioritize healing and rehabilitation that connects deeply with our people,” said Diane Pelly, executive director, OCN Government Services. “For too long we have seen an over-representation of our people in the justice system. This community court will be the bridge between the traditional, land-based healing our people need and the court system across our province, helping make our community safer in a way that enriches our culture and reflects our values.”

This MOU also builds on commitments made in the Manitoba government’s Safer Neighbourhoods, Safer Downtowns: Public Safety Strategy, including preventing reoffending, supporting reintegration, advancing Indigenous justice and reconciliation and promoting community-led justice.

To view the full strategy, visit https://www.gov.mb.ca/justice/pubs/publicsafety_strategy.pdf.

The OCN community court may serve as a model for future Indigenous-led courts in Manitoba, showing what is possible when nations work together to enhance community safety through reconciliation, the minister noted.

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