The new Indigenous Justice Centre (IJC) in Williams Lake received a warm welcome on Tuesday, Feb. 4 with elders and chiefs from surrounding First Nations in attendance.
“The establishment of the Indigenous Justice Centre is a positive and important step toward addressing the unique challenges faced by Indigenous communities within the justice system,” said Kukpi7 (Chief) Rhonda Phillips in a written statement to Efteen.
In B.C, Indigenous people make up five per cent of the population but account for 32 per cent of people taken into custody. Indigenous children account for less than 10 per cent of the child population in B.C., yet represent 68 per cent of children in provincial care.
Poised to offer culturally appropriate services tailored to local needs, the centre is among six new IJCs announced by B.C.’s Attorney General Niki Sharma and Boyd Peters, vice-chair of the B.C. First Nations Justice Council (BCFNJC) on Thursday, Feb. 6.
“When our people are well, our communities are safe,” said Peters.
IJCs offer wraparound services; along with legal advice and representation, the centres provide supports as well as referrals to local services to help address the root causes of a client's involvement in the justice system. Elders and aunties are also on site, helping strengthen local community and providing cultural support, guidance and healing.
“This collaboration with all First Nations will be crucial in tackling the systemic barriers that First Nations individuals face and ensure that their voices are heard and respected in a justice system that often does not reflect their needs or experiences,” Phillips said in her statement, calling the centre not only welcomed, but necessary.
Natalie Martin, director of communications with the BCFNJC, told Black Press IJCs will work with anyone who may have legal issues, whether they are facing charges, don’t yet have a set court date or are being released from the justice system.
“We don’t turn clients away,” Martin said, explaining how IJCs are around to “make sure they (clients) are being cared for in their time of need.”
“This is just the beginning,” she said, anticipating the services offered by IJCs will evolve as local needs become clearer. IJCs are also intended to help First Nations restore legal traditions.
Martin said the Lakecity centre was developed in close collaboration with local First Nations, she added, with BCFNJC representatives travelling to Williams Lake to have face-to-face conversations with local leaders including.
The centre is open Mondays to Fridays from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and can be accessed by all Indigenous people facing a criminal or child protection issue. The services are free, regardless of whether a client qualifies for legal aid or not.
The IJC encourages folks to visit the centre and explore what services may be appropriate for their situation.
IJCs have also recently opened in Kamloops, Cranbrook, Port Hardy, Fort St. John and a shared location for Burns Lake and Hazelton, bringing the total number of these centres across the province to 15.
The BCFNJC is the only First Nation Justice Council in Canada, formed in 2016 to address systemic injustices faced by Indigenous peoples by transforming B.C's legal system in a way which ensures Indigenous peoples have proper representation in the justice system.
With files from Wolf Depner and Monica Lamb-Yorski.
