Reshaping Community Safety in BC First Nations Justice Strategy

Reshaping Community Safety Reshaping Community Safety Through the BC First Nations Through the BC First Nations Justice Strategy Justice Strategy AFN National Forum on First Nations Policing March 16, 2021 11:10 am 12:05 pm (PT)

Background BC First Nations Justice Strategy was endorsed by the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC), the BCFNJC and the Province of BC on March 6, 2020 The strategy is the first of its kind in BC, including the first to involve Indigenous peoples in shaping justice matters Mandate is two-fold: Challenge approaches that contribute to the growing overrepresentation of Indigenous children and youth in the care of government, and Indigenous men and women in incarceration; and Productively engage with the government to advance effective strategies that can achieve better outcomes for our people in the justice system.

Foundations of the Strategy Presumption of diversion entrenched throughout the justice system, from pre-charge to post-conviction Ensure the incorporation of Gladue principles throughout the existing justice system, including police interactions Through expansion of the current policing program and implementation of required changes to Community Tripartite Agreements, First Nations will be supported to assume greater control of community policing

A New Way Forward Strategy 1: Reflecting the core value of a presumption of diversion throughout the existing justice system S Strategy 7 trategy 7: Legislative and policy foundation for independent oversight and accountability, and provide public education and reporting on First Nations justice matters Strategy 10 Strategy 10: Prevention and Youth Strategy 11 Strategy 11: First Nations Women Strategy 20 Strategy 20: Develop standards of cultural competency and training for all who interact with First Nations in the justice system, including police

A New Way Forward Strategy 21: Strategy 21: Establish roles for Elders and Knowledge Keepers to ensure cultural competency and appropriateness and support for First Nations community-based justice programming Strategy 22: Strategy 22: Establish new models of structured relations between First Nations, the RCMP, and other police forces, that support new strategic and policy level, as well as community level, and cooperative change, while supporting greater community-level police forces Strategy 25: Strategy 25: Establish a new, self-standing prosecution policy related to Indigenous Peoples

First Nations Policing in BC The First Nations Policing Program National program created in 1991 2 models of police service delivery: Community Tripartite Agreement A dedicated contingent of officers from an existing police force are contracted to provide services for a community There are 59 in BC Self-Administered Agreement Between Canada, BC and the First Nation, who establishes and operates their own police force Stl atl lmx Tribal Police is the only one in BC

Challenges with Policing in BC Jurisdiction Systemic Racism Militarization and lack of community policing Use of force Criminalization and policing of addictions and mental health issues Police discretion Accountability and oversight Governance Lack of cultural training and representation Children and youth Women and 2SLGBTQ+ Funding

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