What is the BC First Nations Justice Strategy?
The BC First Nations Justice Strategy (the Strategy) signed March 6, 2020 mandates the BC First Nations Justice Council (BCFNJC) and its justice system partners to undertake 42 transformative actions along two paths:
- Reform of the current justice system, and
- Restoration of First Nation legal traditions and structures.
The Strategy will reduce the number of First Nations people who become involved with the criminal justice system, improve the experience of those who do, increase the number of First Nations people working within the justice system, and support First Nations to restore their justice systems and structures.
Who was involved in creating the Strategy?
The Strategy was developed over two years by the BC First Nations Justice Council, BC First Nations communities, the Province of British Columbia, and key justice system stakeholders who took part in two Indigenous justice summits.
The 2020 Strategy reflects and advances the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action and is consistent with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous people.
The Strategy was endorsed by resolution at the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, BC Assembly of First Nations and First Nations Summit in 2019/2020.
Who is the Strategy for?
The BC First Nations Justice Strategy was developed by and for First Nations in BC. The Strategy will also benefit the broader Indigenous community. New programs arising from the Strategy such as Indigenous Justice Centres serve all Indigenous people in BC.