Our services include support with Indigenous-specific alternatives measures, services for those who have been harmed, help with reintegration post-incarceration and supervision of compensatory or community hours. We work closely with Elders, Knowledge Keepers and community partners to offer cultural programs, sharing circles, land-based activities and workshops.
Restorative Justice and Alternative Measures
The Justice Center offers ways for you to address conflict or harm in a community setting. The program can offer you the opportunity to access culturally appropriate alternatives to regular court. Through the Justice Center, you might be eligible to be part of a diversion program at both municipal and provincial court, called the General Alternatives Measures Program (GAMP). The Restorative Justice Program works closely with community partners, Elders and Knowledge Keepers to support you with your wellness objectives.
Community Service Supervision
This program allows for creativity and cultural safety with the goal of supporting individuals who have compensatory, community work hours or alternative measures to complete. If you have tickets and are not sure how to deal with them or an order from the court to do community hours, you can reach out to the Justice Center with your questions.
Victim Services
The Justice Center’s Victim Services Coordinator can assist you with your needs if you’ve been in a harmful situation. You don’t have to be in the court process as a victim to receive services. Services include one-on-one support, safety plans, referrals, access to Elder Services, accompaniments and support going through the court system. Programming is also available for anyone who seeks healing through cultural and traditional measures, such as sharing circles, land-based activities and healing retreats.
Transition Services
The transition program is for individuals exiting a period of incarceration who are looking for support with their objectives and reconnecting with their community. To access transition services, a referral from your parole or probation officer is needed along with a release plan. Once integrated into the program, community members have access to culturally-adapted in-person supports, group programming and referrals to services for housing, employment, healthcare, access to Elders as well as cultural activities.
Gladue Reports
Gladue reports and letters provide insight about an Indigenous person’s social and community history, family as well as challenges. These reports can be requested by the court when you have been found guilty of a crime and you are facing a certain period of detention time. The Gladue writer prepares the report by interviewing you, family members and ressource to provide the Judge, Crown and Defense attorney background information for your sentencing recommendations. Often, Gladue reports can help with alternatives to incarceration. If you have a report written through the Justice Center, you can also access aftercare support as the process can be difficult to experience.
Culture and Healing
The Justice Center facilitates a number of activities and events promoting culture and healing within the community. Examples of workshops and programming include Pualuk making, beading circles, land-based activities, the Working on Wellness group along with sharing circles. By accessing Justice Center programs, you can receive support from an Elder, our Knowledge Keeper or other types of healing focused assistance.