September 6, 2002

SASKATOON – A number of dialogues with communities and organizations throughout Saskatchewan have been arranged by the Commission on First Nations and Métis Peoples and Justice Reform.

The schedule for September includes stops in Regina, Fort Qu’Appelle, Saskatoon, North Battleford and Onion Lake. Commission Chair Willie Littlechild says the next two weeks will mark the beginning of an intensive fall schedule that will see the Justice Reform Commission embark on a critical phase of its work.

"Not only will the Commission be meeting with professionals in the justice field, including corrections workers and courtworkers, we will have the opportunity to dialogue with people who have been caught up in the system," Littlechild. "We are looking forward to hearing from inmates in various institutions including youth who are incarcerated."

As well as hearing more formal presentations from interested organizations, the Justice Reform Commission is pleased to have been invited to Community Dialogues in North Battleford, Onion Lake and Fort Qu’Appelle, Littlechild says.

"These Community Dialogues are very important to the Commission since this is our best opportunity to hear directly from people who are being affected," said Littlechild. "First Nations and Métis people have provided us with a great deal of food for thought in our previous dialogues and we are looking forward to more of the same in the next two weeks."

The Community Dialogues are open to the public and the media. The media is advised to check with the Director of Communications regarding access to other events. A complete schedule for September is included in this advisory. Further details are available at the Commission’s website: www.justicereformcomm.sk.ca

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