Métis Nation British Columbia’s Justice Strategy is Endorsed by the Province of British Columbia



Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) is pleased to announce that the Métis Justice Strategy has been endorsed by the Government of British Columbia. Informed by consultation with Métis across British Columbia and the MNBC Justice Council, this landmark strategy addresses the urgent need to overcome the significant challenges that Métis face in the justice system. The strategy is focused on a Métis-specific approach that recognizes Métis as a unique Indigenous People and seeks to create policies and services that are inclusive and safe.

 

“For too long Métis have been overrepresented in the justice system,” said Walter Mineault, MNBC’s President. “With the Government of BC’s endorsement, we can work towards creating a Métis-specific approach that will truly improve justice outcomes for all Métis who come in contact with the justice system.

 

The Métis Justice Strategy is grounded in 5 principles with 12 key recommendations that, when implemented, will help reduce harm for Métis through all stages of the justice system and create culturally safe services and supports. The recommendations are:

 

  1. Legislative Analysis – Policy and Procedure Review
  2. Auditing existing Indigenous/Aboriginal Services to Assess Métis Eligibility
  3. Métis-Specific Training for Government, Non-Profit Organizations, and Other Partners
  4. Develop Trauma-Informed Cultural Engagement Programming and Supports for all Métis Involved in the Justice System
  5. Investment in the Supportive Métis Elders Program
  6. Métis Metrics
  7. Métis-Specific Training for Gladue Reports and Submissions for Métis in BC
  8. Métis Restorative Justice
  9. MNBC Participation in the Operation and Establishment of Indigenous Justice Services
  10. Ongoing Commitment to Métis-Partnership and Relationship Building
  11. Ongoing Issues Related to MMIWG in BC
  12. Métis Youth Justice

“BC is faced with a crisis that requires Métis-specific safe justice services, and reforms to existing legal systems and programs,” said Colette Trudeau, MNBC’s Chief Executive Officer. “The Métis Justice Strategy is based on the needs, experiences, and voices of Métis people across the province. A strong partnership with the Government of BC means that by implementing the Justice Strategy, we can achieve transformative change.”

 

MNBC began the process of developing the Métis Justice Strategy in 2018 and it was finalized this year with the provincial cabinet endorsement.

 

For the full Métis Justice Strategy please visit https://www.mnbc.ca/MNBC-Justice-Strategy. For all media inquiries please contact: media@mnbc.ca

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