This fulfills a commitment to launch 15 centres throughout the province
The British Columbia government has partnered with the BC First Nations Justice Council to launch six Indigenous justice centres to serve Kamloops, Williams Lake, Cranbrook, Port Hardy, Fort St. John, Burns Lake, and Hazelton.
The move fulfills the government’s commitment to open 15 justice centres through the province and completes the BC First Nations Justice Strategy’s Strategy 4.
“It is incredible to reflect on what First Nations, the BC First Nations Justice Council and the Province have collaboratively achieved – a network of 15 Indigenous justice centres across BC,” BCFNJC chair Kory Wilson said in a statement.
Wilson explained that these centres offer legal representation to Indigenous clients and access to wraparound services extending beyond legal needs. The centres provide culturally appropriate legal advice and referrals to local support services; while initially concentrating on criminal defence and child protection matters, the focus and area of expertise may vary across communities.
“As those accessing our services often feel overwhelmed and disconnected from community, IJCs embrace them with care, honour their cultural identity and protect them from falling through the cracks,” Wilson said in a statement.
The other centres are located in Chilliwack, Kelowna, Merritt, Nanaimo, Prince George, Prince Rupert, Surrey, Vancouver, and Victoria. A virtual centre also serves BC remotely.
“All Indigenous Peoples, regardless of whether they qualify for legal aid, can access free, culturally informed legal and outreach services at IJCs. I am grateful to all our partners in delivering services that help build resilient communities and improve our justice system,” Attorney General Niki Sharma said in a statement.
Kúkpi7 (Chief) Rosanne Casimir, Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc praised the opening of one of the new centres at Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc.
“Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc is pleased to be the home of a brand-new Indigenous justice centre, where our communities can seek legal representation alongside wraparound services in an environment that feels culturally safe. We extend our appreciation to the BC First Nations Justice Council and the Province for addressing and working toward better systems of justice for Indigenous Peoples. The relief, safety and support this centre brings will ripple through our community with positive effects,” Casimir said in a statement.
Establishing IJCs is key to BC’s commitment to implementing the BC First Nations Justice Strategy and progressing reconciliation under the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. The move is also a core action in BC’s Safer Communities Action Plan.
