SASKATOON – The Commission on First Nations and Metis Peoples and Justice Reform has completed a two-week dialogue with communities in Northern Saskatchewan.

The five-person Justice Reform Commission met with community members in Meadow Lake, Beauval, La Loche, Sandy Bay, Pelican Narrows and Black Lake. In all locations the Commission met in a circle format, listening to Elders, leaders, justice workers and members of the public.

Commission chair Willie Littlechild said the dialogue was at times disturbing, always informative and the information received will be crucial in helping the commissioners in their work.

"I was impressed with the people who took the time to meet with us," Littlechild said. "People spoke from their hearts. What they had to say will form the basis for the recommendations we will be presenting as the Commission meets the challenge of reforming the justice system."

Topics ranged from policing, courts, legal representation and the various strategies for preventing crime and reducing the unacceptable incarceration rates for Aboriginal people. Speakers often pointed out the need to approach the issue of justice reform from a holistic point of view.

"It is becoming increasingly evident that you cannot look at justice in isolation," Littlechild suggested. "Particularly when it comes to young people, we, as a society, have to address the problems of drugs and alcohol, family breakdown, education and poverty.

"In many of these Northern communities it is vital that an effective strategy for dealing with unemployment and the lack of recreational and educational facilities be implemented. Addressing these concerns would have a significant impact on the justice system, we were told time after time," Littlechild said.

The Justice Reform Commission is currently making plans for future dialogues in communities around the province. Dates and locations of these events will be announced once the arrangements have been finalized.

For Further Information Contact:

Mr. Willie Littlechild
Chair
Commision on First Nations and Metis Peoples and Justice Reform
(780) 585-3038

Ms. Glenda Cooney
Commissioner
Commission on First Nations and Metis Peoples and Justice Reform
(306) 933-6702
(306) 222-2138

Warren Goulding
Director of Communications
Commission on First Nations and Métis Peoples and Justice Reform
(306) 964-1212 or (306) 227-4350