BCFNJC Officially Opens Four Indigenous Justice Centres in BC

tkwəɬniwt (Westbank), Syilx Territory – On Wednesday, January 26, 2022, the first four Indigenous Justice Centres were officially opened in the province of British Columbia. An inspiring virtual grand opening event celebrated this milestone with nearly 600 guests in attendance. During the event, at least 80 messages of congratulations were received. Distinguished guest appearances included: […]

BCFNJC, Canada and BC announce $9 million tripartite agreement

tkwəɬniwt (Westbank), Syilx Territory – January 20, 2022 – Today was an exciting day for the BC First Nations Council! This morning, our chair, Doug White, participated in a media conference along with federal Minister of Justice, David Lametti, and Attorney General for BC, David Eby, to announce the signing of a tripartite memorandum of […]

Join our virtual grand opening!

Together, let’s celebrate the official launch of our new Indigenous Justice Centres! The BC First Nations Justice Council supports the well-being of future generations by transforming the status quo today – upholding self-determination, reclaiming Indigenous legal traditions and addressing systemic injustice. In this spirit, we invite you to learn more about our four Indigenous Justice […]

Historic vote elects five Indigenous benchers to the Law Society of BC

tkwəɬniwt (Westbank), Syilx Territory – The Law Society of BC (LSBC) announced the results of its annual election of benchers who govern the society and the outcome is historic for Indigenous representation within this vital part of British Columbia’s justice system. For the 137-year history of the Law Society, only two Indigenous lawyers have ever […]

BCFNJC launches new book to support Gladue implementation

tkwəɬniwt (Westbank), Syilx Territory – The BC First Nations Justice Council is pleased to announce the launch of its highly anticipated new book, The Gladue Principles: A Guide to the Jurisprudence, by Benjamin Ralston. A free PDF version of the entire book is available on the BCFNJC website, including free PDF user guides specifically for […]

BCFNJC officially takes over Gladue report services

Beginning April 1, 2021, management of B.C.’s Gladue report program will transition from Legal Aid BC (LABC) to the BC First Nations Justice Council (BCFNJC). Under the Criminal Code of Canada, an Indigenous person has the right for judges to consider their particular circumstances, including the unique systemic or background factors that may have played […]

In celebration of International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global event celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It is an opportunity for us to celebrate women’s achievements, raise awareness about issues, influence behaviour, smash stereotypes, challenge biases and create ripples of change. What began in 1911, supported by more than one million people, continues […]

BCFNJC and BC Attorney General applaud proposed federal legislation to reduce Indigenous incarceration rates

tkwəɬniwt (Westbank), Syilx Territory – Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, the Honourable David Lametti, tabled new legislation yesterday, known as Bill C-22, which has the potential to significantly divert low-risk Indigenous offenders away from incarnation and into addiction services and other corrective measures. “Bill C-22 would make changes to both the Criminal […]