Bridging Justice: Indigenous Justice Centre & Crown Counsel Collaborative Event – Kelowna

Your local Indigenous Justice Centre is pleased to invite you to our in-person luncheon learning opportunity:
“Bridging Justice: Indigenous Justice Centre & Crown Counsel Collaborative Event” 

The BC First Nations Justice Strategy (the Strategy) provides a clear, comprehensive road map to the fundamental transformation of the justice system in BC. It was jointly developed by the BC First Nations Justice Council (BCFNJC), BC First Nations communities, and the Province of British Columbia, and represents a strong, collaborative partnership between the Province of British Columbia and BCFNJC).  Endorsed by the First Nations Leadership Council,  the Strategy will support BC First Nations advance self-determination over justice and create better justice outcomes for Indigenous people across the province.  

The Strategy contains 25 individual strategies that intersect different areas of the justice system. Respecting the independence of the BC Prosecution Service (BCPS), the Strategy sets goals for BCPS including: 

• Strategy 18: Increasing Indigenous Representation in the BCPS 

• Strategy 19: Strengthening Relationships between First Nations and BCPS 

• Strategy 25: Advancements in Prosecution Policies for Indigenous People
  

BCFNJC endeavors to support BCPS in reaching these goals and we are proud of the strong relationship we have built with BCPS Leadership since the Strategy was endorsed in March 2020. Moreover, with a network of 15 physical Indigenous Justice Centres (IJCs) and one virtual IJC operational by the end of the 2024 calendar year (Strategy 4- IJC Expansion), the strengthening of relationships between our IJC staff and local Crown counsel is vital for ensuring just results for Indigenous people in BC’s justice system. 

Join us for this learning opportunity where we will learn about Strategy 1 (the presumption of diversion) and the Indigenous justice programs, restorative justice programs, and other alternative measures that are available to support the presumption of diversion in the area surrounding each IJC.  

Here is what to expect during the event: 

11:30 a.m.: Welcome and tour of the IJC 

12:00 p.m.: Welcome from our local Elder/Knowledge Keeper, introductions & lunch 

1:00 p.m.: Online presentation which will cover: 

• Work achieved through the partnership between BCPS and BCFNJC to date 

• Strategy 1 and the development of BC and BCFNJC’s Diversion Workplan 

• Strategy 4 and what the future holds for our network of IJCs 

 1:30 p.m.: Roundtable of service providers serving Indigenous people, such as local Indigenous Justice Programs, Native Courtworkers and Counselling Association of BC, and other agencies working in the region of the IJC 

 2:30 pm – Closing remarks 

This is a yearly event. Please, RSVP today to save your spot. Spaces are limited.