Community Justice Initiative
This project is the start of a Treaty #3 nation-wide strategy to develop Aboriginal community-based restorative justice approaches in our First Nations. Grand Council Treaty #3 Justice staff work directly with First Nations’ justice teams to divert pre- and post-charge offences in community-based processes in Grassy Narrows, Lac Seul, Naicatchewenin, Naotkamegwanning, Onigaming, Wabaseemoong, as well as the Rainy River First Nations.
The long-term goals are:
- Support healing and accountability within communities
- Reduce the number of Treaty #3 members charged and in jail
Youth Re-Integration Program
This program is the beginning of a nation-wide strategy to develop re-integration for youth through Aboriginal community-based restorative justice. Youth get an opportunity to receive help in the community through counselling supports, family support, and elder guidance.
The goals of this program are:
- Promote healing and accountability within communities
- Have our youth supported during and after probation
- Reduce the number of Treaty #3 members charged and in jail
Indigenous Bail Verification and Supervision Program
The Indigenous Bail Verification and Supervision Program (IBVSP) assists Treaty #3 members, men and women aged 18 and older who are accused of a criminal of-fence/s, awaiting bail proceedings, remanded for show cause hearing, and do not have the financial means or available surety to meet bail needs.
IBVSP Main Functions:
- Identify the availability of a surety
- Provide verified, neutral and factual information about an accused person at bail proceedings
- Provide supervision, aftercare, and referral services for individuals released from custody by the Courts, where the condition of release directs reporting to IBVSP (Verification Report).
The IBVSP is responsible for supervising bail court orders and enforcement by alleged violation of release orders by in initiating breach proceedings. IBVSP provides clients with an opportunity to access culturally supportive programs and community based-services meaning Kaakewaaseya “Good Path” during Judicial Interim Release.
IBVSP operates at no cost to the client
Anishinaabemowin (language) and Disability Accommodations Available
Gladue Services
What is a Gladue Report?
Jamie Gladue, an Aboriginal woman, was charged with second-degree murder after she killed her fiancé. She was subsequently convicted of manslaughter.
The trial judge sentenced her to 3 years’ imprisonment. Jamie appealed her sentence all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada.
The Supreme Court has recognized that the number of Aboriginal people being sent to jail has increased significantly over the last several decades because of the racism. Aboriginal people face within the justice system.
A Gladue Report is a document that gives the Judge information he/she needs to make the best decision possible when sentencing.
Role of the Gladue Writer:
- To prepare and complete Gladue report, at the bail stage or sentencing stage, when a request is approved
- To interview the Aboriginal offender about his/her background information, his/her immediate family and extended family members, as well as, others from his/her community
- To make recommendations for alternative sentencing, another imprisonment such as restorative justice, healing circles, culturally-appropriate treatment options
Gladue Aftercare
Gladue Aftercare is the second phase of the Gladue services program. The Aftercare workers assist Aboriginal community members to follow through with Gladue Report recommendations.
This Program exists because many clients may feel lost and disconnected while going through the justice system. They may feel confused about how to deal with their current situations or issues. Clients will be able to access supports, advice, and help that they may have otherwise not known about.
Indigenous Support Network Coordinator
The Indigenous Support Network Coordinator will provide support to victims of crime to make justice meaningful and effective for people in the Treaty #3 community.
Services offered include:
- Assisting in the development of a Victim services program that is culturally sensitive and holistic, with support and referrals in place within the communities
- Providing clients and families with the tools, knowledge, and guidance for self-empowerment during their journey of healing
- Assisting clients to have direct access too culturally appropriate services
- Work closely with clients and communities, building strong, trusting relationships
- Ensure clients’ immediate personal safety takes priority
- Put social services in place to assist in the prevention of suicide and self-harm