A ground breaking Indigenous justice program is now operational in Dryden.
Grand Council Treaty #3 officially opened its Kaakewaaseya “The Good Road” Justice Office at 24 Duke Street at a traditional ceremony on Thursday.
The goal of the initiative is to provide and improve the delivery of justice services to all members in the Treaty #3 territory and reduce the over representation of the Indigenous population in the mainstream justice system.
It’s also meant at reducing travel times for those who have to attend court of bail hearings.
Justice Director Arthur Huminuk says they offer a number of services at the new Dryden office.
-A full-time Indigenous Justice Liaison worker to provide support and education to community members.
-Gladue writers to assist Judges in the sentencing process.
-Gladue After Care workers to assist and follow-up on the recommendations that are given during sentencing.
-Bail Supervision and Verification workers to provide support and advocacy to community members.
-An Indigenous Support Network worker that will assist the victims of crime, and other tragic circumstances.
Huminuk says they want to ensure they follow-up with anyone who has to go through the court system to ensure they get the support they need.
He says the program is also meant to get more Indigenous people living and working in local communities.
Grand Council Treaty #3 Grand Chief Francis Kavanaugh is throwing his full support behind the initiative.
Kavanaugh says the office provides a place where their people, especially their youth, can receive services in a healing kind of way.
He stresses those who end up in the court system are not real criminals, instead its a circumstance of where they came from.
Kavanaugh says they are products of the Residential School system or the 60’s Scoop.
He notes by spreading centres, like the one in Dryden, throughout the territory, it’s easier for their people to attend court sessions.
Treaty #3 worked with several groups and organizations to launch the Treaty #3 Justice Office.
-Indigenous Justice Division of the Ministry of the Attorney General
-Nishinawbe Aski Legal Services
-Treaty #3 Police Services
-Dryden Native Friendship Centre
-Provincial Police
-Dryden Police Service
-Crown and defence Lawyers
-Court Services and the Judiciary
You can hear more by clicking on the Audio link below.
