Canada launches Indigenous Justice Strategy to reduce incarceration

Canada has introduced a new Indigenous Justice Strategy to address the high overincarceration rates of Indigenous people in the justice system. Released on March 10, the strategy outlines 26 actions needed to combat systemic discrimination that impacts First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. Indigenous justice experts, while supportive of the strategy, express concern over the lack of specific next steps. Kory Wilson, chair of the B.C. First Nations Justice Council, emphasizes the importance of making the justice system more accessible and aware of the unique challenges faced by Indigenous peoples. The incarceration rate for Indigenous individuals is alarmingly high, with Statistics Canada reporting they were about nine times more likely to be in provincial custody than non-Indigenous people in 2020/2021. The strategy includes dedicated chapters outlining priorities for each Indigenous group. For First Nations, it aims to integrate Indigenous laws and practices into the justice system. The Inuit chapter highlights the need for better infrastructure, such as housing and shelters, to reduce legal issues and support rehabilitation efforts. Christina Cook, a lawyer and member of the Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, feels cautiously optimistic about the strategy. She notes, however, that it lacks concrete steps and often recycles previous recommendations without real commitment. Cook expresses hope for genuine changes to emerge from the strategy’s implementation over the next two years. Justice Canada plans to develop regional implementation plans with Indigenous communities to ensure the strategy's effectiveness. Despite the positive intentions, experts like Cook highlight the challenge of translating plans into meaningful actions, citing past government reports that have not led to substantial change.