A new federal strategy on Indigenous justice reform is receiving praise from the Metis Nation-Saskatchewan.
The federal government recently introduced Canada’s first-ever Indigenous Justice Strategy.
The goal will be to reform the justice system, uplift Indigenous ideas on legal matters, and to combat the over-representation of Indigenous people in the Criminal Justice System.
In a statement released today, the Metis Nation-Saskatchewan gave support to the new strategy.
“MN–S supports the outcomes of the work done in part with Justice Canada on the Indigenous Justice Strategy,” MN–S Vice President and Minister of Justice, Michelle LeClair was quoted in the media release. “Collaborating, government-to-government, with Justice Canada, the IJS represents a step in the right direction in supporting Métis caught in the cycle of systemic racism that exists within a colonial justice system.”
The MN-S also praised the inclusion of a Metis specific chapter within the new Indigenous Justice Strategy.
“When we think outside the box and dial in on a distinctions focused approach through our Métis identity, culture, values, and language, we know who we are as Métis people and it keeps us grounded,” said MN-S President Glen McCallim. “This connection is what can keep our people on a healthy path and avoid further interactions with the justice system.”
The MN-S says they will now continue to work with the federal government to help implement the new strategy.
(TOP PHOTO – File photo of MN-S President Glen MCCallum)