SASKATOON – The Commission on First Nations and Métis Peoples and Justice Reform will release its final report on Monday, June 21, 2004.

Chair Willie Littlechild says the report contains a number of themes designed to return justice to First Nations and Métis communities.

"It is obvious to the Commission that there is no better place to find solutions to the problems facing First Nations and Métis people than in their own communities," says Littlechild, who chairs the Commission that was created in November 2001. "Justice must be transformed to incorporate First Nations and Métis culture, traditions and beliefs."

The report, which includes two volumes, is entitled Legacy of Hope, a theme that has accompanied the Commission over the past two and a half years.

"Over the last three decades dozens of Commissions and studies have produced hundreds of recommendations," notes Littlechild. "Many of these recommendations have been implemented but many have been ignored. Despite the efforts of these Commissions little has changed in terms of improving the lives of First Nations and Métis people."

Littlechild says an important element of this Commission’s work is the call for ‘Champions for Change’, people who will carry on the work of the Commission and strive to see that reforms are implemented. As well, Littlechild points out, a working group consisting of representatives of the federal and provincial government, the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations and Métis Nation – Saskatchewan have been meeting to discuss the establishment of an implementation vehicle that will succeed this Commission.

The interim report will be released at a news conference to be held at 10:00 a.m. at the Top of the Inn in the Sheraton Cavalier in Saskatoon.

For Further Information Contact:

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