EDMONTON, Alberta, Sept. 28, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Alberta Provincial Court has outlined the specific steps it is taking to provide a culturally relevant, restorative and holistic justice system for Indigenous people who have access to court.

At a rare public press event on September 28, Alberta Provincial Court Chief Justice Derek Redman formally announced the court’s strategy for indigenous justice. The Indigenous Justice Strategy is the result of two years of discussions with leaders of Indigenous communities across the province, as well as leaders of legal and service organizations that interact with those communities. The Indigenous Justice Strategy aims to respond to some of the pervasive issues faced by the diverse community of Indigenous people who have access to justice. It represents a first step on the part of the Court as it continues to fulfill its ongoing commitment to listen and engage in cooperative dialogue with indigenous communities to better understand their diverse priorities.

The 20 concrete steps of the Indigenous Justice Strategy include:

• Providing educational opportunities to ensure a broad understanding of the history, heritage and laws of local communities, as well as an understanding of, and participation in, cultural activities where appropriate
• Supporting the establishment of restorative justice programs and indigenous courts to meet the needs of local communities
• Conducting annual meetings between the leadership of the Courts and the leadership of Contracts 6, 7 and 8, and with the leadership of the Métis Nation of Alberta and the Métis Settlements
• Incorporating indigenous cultural practices in courthouses and courtrooms, where appropriate
• Encouraging Indigenous applications for employment in various capacities within the court system
• Mentoring programs for indigenous lawyers and students
• Commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
  

“That…