Fact Sheet:

Aboriginal Justice Strategy

Introduction

Aboriginal people are incarcerated 8.5 times the rate of non-Aboriginal Canadians. The Aboriginal Justice Strategy (AJS) is a response by the Government of Canada to the reality that Aboriginal people are over-represented throughout the justice system. The AJS will support efforts to correct this imbalance by increasing Aboriginal community participation in developing initiatives that advance Aboriginal values within the justice system.

The AJS mandate was renewed in August 2001 for a further five years until March 2007. During its first five years, the AJS entered into 90 Aboriginal program agreements that serve more than 280 communities.

AJS Objectives

• To support Aboriginal communities as they take greater responsibility in the administration of justice.
  
• To help reduce crime and incarceration rates in Aboriginal communities that run justice programs.
  
• To foster improvements in the justice system that respond to the needs of Aboriginal peoples.

AJS Community-Based Justice Programs

Community-based justice programs are developed in partnership with Aboriginal communities and provinces or territories, and are designed to reflect the culture and values of the communities in which they are situated. Justice Canada has identified four program models that Aboriginal communities can develop and operate under the Aboriginal Justice Strategy:

• Diversion/alternative measures
  
• Community sentencing
  
• Mediation
  
• Justice of the Peace training

Funding Criteria

Key factors that guide AJS funding for community-based justice programs include:

• High level of community support.
  
• Financial commitment to the initiative from the province or territory.
  
• Demonstrated participation of women.
  
• Feasibility of the initiative.
  
• Cost effectiveness.
  
• An effective community infrastructure.
  
• Political as well as management accountability.
  
• Inclusion of an accountability/evaluation plan.
  
• Long-term sustainability

The Aboriginal Justice Learning Network

The Aboriginal Justice Learning Network (AJLN) is a broad-based voluntary organization of Aboriginal community members and justice representatives who share a commitment to improve the administration of justice for Aboriginal peoples and communities. The AJLN is a communication vehicle between the current justice system and the Aboriginal peoples of Canada. By different means, it explores, develops and promotes justice practices and implements alternatives for the benefit of Aboriginal peoples (First Nation, Inuit, Métis and non-status).

The AJLN works with an advisory committee of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal community justice workers, lawyers, judges, policy makers, police officers and corrections officers from across the country. An Elders Panel provides spiritual and cultural guidance to the advisory committee.

AJLN Activities

• Promotes an understanding of cultural differences and the dynamic effects of racism, especially in relation to the justice system.
  
• Ensures Aboriginal women participate as full partners in the negotiation and implementation of community justice programs.

Training and Community Development Fund

This component is intended to enhance existing programs and to make a strategic federal investment in building capacity of stakeholders involved in Aboriginal justice. The AJLN, in addition to its other work will be largely responsible for managing this component.

The AJLN will provide training to communities and groups that want to create changes in the administration of justice within Aboriginal communities. Among others, the AJLN can facilitate training in the following areas:

• Circle sentencing and peacemaking circles
  
• Community justice committees
  
• Elders councils
  
• Urban and rural court division
  
• Program management/Evaluation skills
  
• Conflict resolution
  
• Mediation
  
• Youth camps
  
• Regional Conferences
  
• Accounting skills

For Further Information, Contact:

Aboriginal Justice Strategy
The Aboriginal Justice Directorate
Department of Justice Canada
284 Wellington Street
Ottawa, ON K1A 0H8
Tel. (613) 9446-6614
Fax. (613) 957-4697
E-mail: ajs-sja@justice.gc.ca