Wednesday, June 5, 2002

SASKATOON – Statistics indicate that Saskatchewan has the highest rate of youth incarcerated among the provinces and although they comprise only 15 per cent of the population, almost 70 per cent of young offenders in custody are Aboriginal.

These disturbing numbers are a concern to the Commission on First Nations and Métis Peoples and Justice Reform.

In an effort to further understand why this trend is occurring and to seek solutions that will bring about improvements, the Justice Reform Commission is meeting this Saturday with about 35 participants for a roundtable meeting organized by Saskatchewan Youth in Care and Custody Network.

"There is no doubt this Commission is very concerned about the fact that so many young Aboriginal people are in custody in this province," notes Commission chair Willie Littlechild. "We are aware of the statistics and we have heard the message in the dialogues we have already held. This is not acceptable and this Commission is determined to find workable solutions to this problem."

The meeting will take place in Saskatoon on Saturday, June 8 at the Sandman Hotel at 310 Circle Drive West. The meeting opens at 9:00 a.m. and the media are welcome to attend for the opening remarks. Commissioners will be available for interviews prior to the opening of the session and at various times throughout the day. However, as requested by the event organizers, the media will not be permitted to attend the roundtable sessions.

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