State of the Criminal Justice System Dashboard

Federal Program Responses

There has been a number of community, non-government and government program responses to address the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the criminal justice system. The following is a list of federally funded programs operating across Canada to address the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the criminal justice system as well as a summary of some of the other types of program responses that have been implemented across the country.

Indigenous Corrections

Indigenous offenders have unique cultural and spiritual needs. The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) actively provides culturally specific interventions, support and resources to address these needs. This helps Indigenous offenders return to and remain in their communities as law-abiding, contributing members of society.

https://www.canada.ca/en/correctional-service/programs/offenders/indigenous-corrections.html

Aboriginal Community Safety Planning Initiative

The Aboriginal Community Safety Planning Initiative (ACSPI) works to prevent incidents of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), provides a means to enhance accessibility to Restorative Justice programming and responds to the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).

Support for Indigenous community-led planning and implementation of solutions

The ACSPI supports Indigenous communities in the development of Community Safety Plans (CSPs) which are specific to their unique circumstances. These plans identify community strengths, assets and safety and wellness goals in a way that allows all community members to see themselves involved on a path leading toward a healthier, safer home and community life.

In this uniquely grass-roots approach, Public Safety Canada officials work with communities and continue to support them through the many stages of CSP engagement, development and implementation. However, before the process starts, it is important that the community leaders fully support the concept and demonstrate commitment. Public Safety Canada officials provide information and are available to answer questions but will not actually start the process without having been invited, and having received written endorsement from the community leadership first.

https://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/cntrng-crm/crrctns/cmmnt-sft-cntrbtn-prgrm-en.aspx#a02

Indigenous Policing

The Government of Canada is supporting access to professional, dedicated and culturally responsive policing services in Indigenous communities with the resources, equipment and facilities that best serve the needs of the community.

• First Nations and Inuit Policing Program supports Indigenous policing services through tripartite agreements among the federal government, provincial or territorial governments, and First Nation or Inuit communities.
• First Nations and Inuit Policing Facilities Program supports policing infrastructure for the people who live and work in Indigenous communities.
• Co-development of First Nations Police Services Legislation: The Government of Canada is working with First Nations and key partners to co-develop federal legislation that recognizes First Nations police services as an essential service.

https://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/cntrng-crm/plcng/brgnl-plcng/index-en.aspx

Indigenous Courtwork Program

The purpose of the Indigenous Courtwork Program is to help Indigenous people involved in the criminal justice system to obtain fair, just, equitable and culturally relevant treatment. The objectives of the Indigenous Courtwork Program are to:

• Assist Indigenous people to understand their right to speak on their own behalf or to request legal counsel; and, to better understand the nature of the charges against them and the philosophy and functioning of the criminal justice system;
• Assist those involved in the administration of the criminal justice system become aware and appreciate the values, customs, languages and socio-economic conditions of Indigenous people; and,
• Respond to problems and special needs caused by communication barriers between Indigenous people and those who are involved in the administration of the criminal justice system.

https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/fund-fina/gov-gouv/acp-apc/index.html

Indigenous Justice Program

The Indigenous Justice Program supports Indigenous community-based justice programs that offer alternatives to mainstream justice processes in appropriate circumstances. Objectives of the Indigenous Justice Program are to:

• Assist Indigenous people in assuming greater responsibility for the administration of justice in their communities;
• Reflect and include Indigenous values within the justice system; and,
• Contribute to a decrease in the rate of victimization, crime and incarceration among Indigenous people in communities with community-based justice programs funded by the Indigenous Justice Program.

https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/fund-fina/acf-fca/ajs-sja/index.html

Supporting Indigenous Victims of Crime

The Supporting Indigenous Victims of Crime initiative is intended to advance a wide range of projects and activities to increase support and assistance for Indigenous people who are victims and survivors of crime, including Indigenous women, youth, Elders, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQI+ persons. Projects supported through this funding are intended to improve access to justice for Indigenous victims of crime through the design and delivery of victim supports and victim services, as well as through strengthened partnerships and activities to improve the experiences of Indigenous victims and survivors when in contact with the criminal justice system.

The key objectives of the SIVC funding are to:

• Increase access to Indigenous-led, culturally safe, survivor-centred services and supports, at the community level, for Indigenous people who are victims and survivors of crime; and
• Support and strengthen partnerships between Indigenous agencies, all levels of government, and various justice agencies to identify and design actions, practices and initiatives within the justice system (including policing, courts, and victim services) to reduce the harm that Indigenous victims and survivors experience in the system while strengthening victims’ rights.

Funding is linked to the following Victims Fund objectives:

• Promote access to justice and participation by victims of crime in the justice system
• Promote the development of law, policies and programs for victims of crime
• Promote the implementation of principles, guidelines and laws designed to address the needs of victims of crime and articulate the victim’s role in the criminal justice system
• Increase knowledge and awareness of the impact of victimization, the needs of victims of crime, available services, assistance and programs, and relevant legislation
• Encourage governmental and non-governmental organizations to identify victim needs and gaps in services, and develop and deliver programs, services and assistance to victims of crime
• Promote capacity-building within non-governmental organizations

https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/fund-fina/sivc-svaac.html

Other Program Responses

There are a number of community, non-governmental and non-federally led programs across the country that address the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the criminal justice system. These include various bail, probation, and release programs that are designed to assist Indigenous people in the justice system. Examples may include but are not limited to: supporting offenders holistically through ongoing case management, providing culturally relevant programming within correctional settings, developing appropriate release and probation plans, offering subsidized and affordable housing, and addressing employment barriers.