Current Problems: Justice (25-42)

Exploring Theme: "Government Justice Inquiries"

Updates on this page: 43
 

September 5, 2024


Anishinabek Nation leadership seek greater implementation of Ipperwash Inquiry recommendations

Nationtalk: ANISHINABEK NATION TERRITORY— In 2007, The Report of the Ipperwash Inquiry produced 100 recommendations for implementation and the Anishinabek Nation is disappointed that there has been little to no movement on the implementation of the recommendations. The Ontario Provincial Police has addressed 25 policing recommendations, but has yet to implement them. “The Anishinabek Nation...

July 10, 2024


Chiefs support independent inquiry into murders of four First Nations women in Winnipeg

Winnipeg police told families they wouldn’t search landfill for victims’ remains Melissa Robinson, cousin of Morgan Harris, speaks to a resolution before the Assembly of First Nations in Montreal Wednesday. Photo: APTN News  APTN News: First Nations leaders from across Canada have passed a resolution seeking an independent inquiry into the investigations of the murders...

July 1, 2024


5th Anniversary of National Inquiry: UBCIC Calls for Government Collaboration to Implement Calls for Justice

NationTalk: (xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil Waututh)/ Vancouver, B.C. – June 30, 2024) Today marks the 5th anniversary of the conclusion of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (the National Inquiry). The Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) is deeply concerned that independent progress reports by the CBC...

June 6, 2024


Review finds RCMP confusion, communication problems at Saskatchewan mass killing

APTN News: The Canadian Press – A report into how Mounties responded to a mass killing and manhunt in Saskatchewan has found some communication problems but nothing that significantly impacted the outcome. Police captured Myles Sanderson three days after he killed 11 people and injured 17 others on the James Smith Cree Nation and in...

June 3, 2024


After five years, ‘calls for justice’ on MMIWG2S+ issues still not complete

Indigenous communities remember and demand action APTN News: It was a quiet morning as Parliament Hill prepared for a day of remembrance for the missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people (2SMMIWG). Sunshade tents popped up on the Hill early, solemn community partners hung red dresses along the barricade fences, drummers and signers...

June 3, 2024


5 years after MMIWG inquiry’s final report, former commissioners still waiting for progress

Former commissioners calling on federal government to use what remains of its mandate to refocus on MMIWG CBC News: Five years after a national inquiry delivered more than 200 recommendations aimed at protecting Indigenous women and girls from going missing or being murdered, former commissioners say there’s been too little systemic change across the country. Former chief...

April 26, 2024


Family says Whitehorse inquest jury recommendations don’t go far enough

The jury issued eight recommendations. APTN News: A family member and First Nation of a woman who died last year while accessing services at the Whitehorse emergency shelter are expressing disappointment at the recommendations yielded from an inquest into her death. Darla Skookum, 52, was a citizen of the Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation (LSCFN). She...

April 25, 2024


‘This Is Not Over’: Mother of Jared Lowndes Vows to Keep Fighting

Prosecutors’ decision to not charge officers met with disbelief and disappointment. The Tyee: After learning that none of the RCMP officers who shot her son will be charged, the mother of Jared Lowndes is calling for an inquiry into why police have killed so many Indigenous people in Canada. “This is not over, I’m not...

March 21, 2024


Inuit organization calls for inquiry into how Canada handled fugitive priest

NTI says authorities knew for decades what Johannes Rivoire was accused of doing to children. Kilikvak Kabloona says her Inuit organization wants a public inquiry into allegations of child sexual abuse against a French priest. Photo: APTN file  APTN News: A major Inuit organization is slamming a Catholic order’s review of child sexual assault allegations,...

March 19, 2024


Retired judge concludes Catholic priest Rivoire sexually abused children in Nunavut

The judge’s conclusion on Rivoire’s guilt appears to be outside the mandate he signed to review the Oblates’ policies and processes. Joannes Rivoire on the balcony of his nursing home in Lyon, France. Photo: APTN file  APTN News: A retired Quebec judge has concluded what a Canadian court has not been able to, which is...

March 12, 2024


Report examines how James Smith Cree Nation mass killer was released from custody before massacre

Myles Sanderson killed 11, injured 17 others in 2022 rampage CBC News: An investigation into the statutory release of a man who went on a stabbing rampage in Saskatchewan has made 14 recommendations for the Correctional Service of Canada and the parole board. The national joint board of investigation into Myles Sanderson was launched soon...

March 2, 2024


Five critical questions answered by the coroner’s inquest into the death of Myles Sanderson

Warning: This story contains disturbing and graphic details some readers may find upsetting. ••••• Saskatoon Star Phoenix: The coroner’s inquest into the death of a Saskatchewan mass killer brought clarity, and some closure, to grieving communities. On Sept. 4, 2022, Myles Sanderson killed 11 people and injured 17 others during a stabbing rampage on James...

February 29, 2024


James Smith Cree Nation killer showed severe psychopathic traits, forensic psychologist testifies

Jury deliberating after week-long public coroner’s inquest into Myles Sanderson’s death  CBC News: Mass killer Myles Sanderson was not just running from police in the high-speed pursuit that led to his arrest — he was likely on his way to finish his mission and kill his former common-law partner, a forensic criminal psychologist testified Thursday....

February 27, 2024


James Smith Cree Nation mass killer died from cocaine overdose, inquest hears

Saskatoon police probe finds RCMP officers did not cause Myles Sanderson’s death WARNING: Some content may be distressing to readers CBC News: A public coroner’s inquest into Myles Sanderson’s death has heard the mass killer died of “acute cocaine overdose,” and that his arrest by the RCMP did not cause or contribute to his death....

February 26, 2024


Jury at coroner’s inquest watches Myles Sanderson police pursuit, arrest before his death in custody

Sanderson died about an hour after arrest: RCMP CBC Indigenous: RCMP officers pursued Myles Sanderson into oncoming traffic, speeding between dozens of vehicles pulled onto shoulders and into the ditch, jury members heard Monday at the first day of a week-long inquest. Sanderson, 32, died a little more than an hour after police arrested him in the...

February 26, 2024


New inquest targets cause of Saskatchewan mass killer Myles Sanderson’s death after his arrest

Previous inquest into stabbings won’t play role in new proceeding: Sask. chief coroner CBC News: One major question remains after a public inquest spent weeks examining the stabbing massacre at James Smith Cree Nation: How did the killer die? The answer is expected after the conclusion of a week-long public coroner’s inquest beginning in Saskatoon on...

February 1, 2024


James Smith Cree Nation chiefs, other leaders say funding needed to enact recommendations

Sask. chief coroner, inquest jury made 29 total recommendations CBC Indigenous: Chiefs from James Smith Cree Nation (JSCN) and other First Nations leaders say the federal government needs to provide more funding in order for the recommendations made at an inquest into the stabbing massacre at JSCN to be put into action. James Smith resident...

January 31, 2024


Increased RCMP resources, community collaboration among James Smith Cree Nation inquest jury’s recommendations

Jurors, coroner release 29 total recommendations CBC News: After more than two weeks of testimony, the jury at the coroner’s inquest into the stabbing massacre at James Smith Cree Nation shared its recommendations to help prevent similar tragedies in the future. The inquest, which began on Jan. 15 in Melfort, Sask., has been examining the...

January 30, 2024


Jury deliberating at inquest into mass stabbing on James Smith Cree Nation

APTN News: The jurors who heard evidence into the stabbing rampage on James Smith Cree Nation and nearby Welford, Sask., are now deliberating. The inquest, held in Melfort, Sask., located about 45 km south of where Myles Sanderson killed 11 people and wounded 17 others, has been sitting for two weeks. “When we look at the evidence...

January 17, 2024


Too many ‘tragic ends’: First Nations call for public inquiry into justice system

First Peoples Law Report: Penticton Herald – – Chief George Ginnish says he’s seen too many of his people thrown in jail. The leader from Natoaganeg (Eel Ground First Nation) in eastern New Brunswick blames a criminal justice system that he says is stacked against Indigenous people, part of the legacy of colonialism and racism....

January 15, 2024


Public inquest into stabbing massacre on James Smith Cree Nation begins Monday

Purpose is to tell victims’ stories, prevent similar tragedies from happening WARNING: This story contains distressing details. CBC News: The coroner’s inquest into the mass stabbings that happened on James Smith Cree Nation in 2022 begins Monday.  Its purpose is to set the public record straight about what happened during the violent attacks and to prevent similar tragedies...

July 4, 2023


Loved ones still waiting for task force to investigate MMIWG cases

MMIWG inquiry called for national team to review ‘unresolved’ cases, but years later, it still hasn’t happened CBC News: Val Charlette wonders if her daughter’s death would have been deemed suspicious if an Indigenous-led task force had been called in to investigate. Angela Lavallee wonders if a task force would have determined someone was responsible...

July 4, 2023


Canada’s Delays in Implementing Calls for Justice Costing Lives – UBCIC Advocates for Federal MMIWG2S+ Legislation

NationTalk: (xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil Waututh)/ Vancouver, B.C.) Today marks four years since the conclusion of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S+). Of the 231 Calls for Justice (CFJ), over half have not been started, and only two have been implemented (see CBC...

June 27, 2023


OPP reinvestigating deaths of 13 Indigenous people in Thunder Bay, Ont., over 13-year period

New investigations first recommended last year as part of Broken Trust report  CBC News: Ontario Provincial Police are reinvestigating the deaths of 13 Indigenous people between 2006 and 2019 in Thunder Bay.  OPP spokesperson Bill Dickson confirmed Tuesday the independent reinvestigations are ongoing and have been undertaken at the request of the province’s attorney general. The...

February 17, 2023


Indigenous leaders and MMIWG families want movement on Calls for Justice

Assembly of First Nations’ national MMIWG gathering wraps up in Vancouver CBC News: Assembly of First Nations Regional B.C. Chief Terry Teegee says families of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls (MMIWG) are frustrated with the lack of progress since the national inquiry ended nearly four years ago.  The AFN’s National MMIWG2S+ Gathering wrapped up two...

June 27, 2022


MPs study resource extraction and violence against Indigenous women

CabinRadio: The Standing Committee on the Status of Women, made up of Liberal, Conservative and New Democratic MPs, announced the study in April in response to calls to justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Karen Vecchio, a Conservative MP and shadow minister for women and gender equality, is chair...

June 23, 2022


Not Enough: All Words and No Action on MMIWG: Interim report of the Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Relations

The following report will discuss the Government of Canada’s implementation of the Calls for Justice and the committee’s intention to seek an Order of Reference from the Senate to further study oversight mechanisms for the Government of Canada’s implementation of the Calls for Justice. We believe accountability is vital to ensure that families and survivors...

June 22, 2022


Anishinabek Nation and the FSIN call for action on the Indian Day School Class Action Settlement

ANISHINABEK NATION HEAD OFFICE (June 22, 2022) – The Federal Indian Day School Class Action Settlement is set to close forever in July 2022. As this date quickly approaches, Survivors and their families are in distress, outwardly excluded from a process established to find them justice. First Nations and Indigenous representatives have called for amendments and...

June 3, 2022


MMIWG: NWAC Report Card on National Action Plan finds little progress

Native Women’s Association of Canada: A comprehensive analysis of the federal government’s National Action Plan to address violence against Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse people finds little progress has been made over the past year to reduce the shocking number of murders and disappearances. The Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) assessed the National Action Plan...

December 14, 2021


Call for a Miscarriage of Justice Commission

APTN – Women and people of colour “urgently” need a commission to review claims of wrongful conviction, say two retired judges. Harry LaForme, the first Indigenous lawyer on an appellate court in Canada, and Juanita Westmoreland-Traoré, the first Black judge in Quebec, were tasked with helping formulate a new Criminal Case Review Commission for Justice Canada....

October 4, 2021


Manitoba First Nations Survey Priorities to MMIWG Final Report

Southern Chiefs Organization (SCO) – “only 53% of murder cases involving [Indigenous] women and girls have led to charges of homicide. This is dramatically different from the national clearance rate for homicides in Canada, which was last reported as 84%” (NWAC, 2011). Governments and Canadian institutions now need to fully implement the Calls for Justice. We...

October 4, 2021


Viens Commission Final Report

The report of the Viens Commission contains 142 recommendations, of which 135 are addressed to the Québec government 68 of which are in progress. The calls for action cover the entire array of government services offered to the Indigenous peoples (justice, correctional and police services, health, social services, youth protection, and so on) and demand:...

June 30, 2021


Exclusion of Métis from Residential School Settlement Agreement

Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak / Women of the Métis Nation (LFMO) – the National Indigenous Women’s Organization representing Métis women across the Métis Nation Motherland, is calling on the Federal Government to commit to a distinctions-based process and supports for Métis Residential School survivors and their families to heal in this unprecedented time of grief and...

June 23, 2021


Viens Commission Final Report: Québec Ombudsman to monitor progress

CISION – The report of the Public Inquiry Commission on relations between Indigenous Peoples and certain public services in Québec recommended that the Government of Québec mandate the Québec Ombudsman to monitor and assess implementation of the calls to action it contains until they are fully carried out. Québec Ombudsperson Marie Rinfret gratefully welcomes the...

June 4, 2021


MMIWG Inquiry – OAS Complaint

The Native Women’s Association of Canada -NWAC is taking immediate steps to file a Human Rights complaint in Canada and to request International intervention and investigation by the Organization of American States (OAS) and United Nations (UN) in forcing the federal government to take the steps necessary to end the genocide against Indigenous women, girls and...

June 3, 2021


MMIWG Inquiry – Government Action Plan Complaints

NationTalk – Ontario Native Women’s Association, Québec Native Women, Union of BC Indian Chiefs, Chair in Indigenous Governance, Feminist Alliance for International Action – A consortia of Indigenous women’s advocacy groups representing 49% of Indigenous women’s voices in Canada finds that the National Action Plan and Federal Pathway on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and...

March 5, 2021


Viens Commission Final Report: Initial investments

In response to the Viens Commission, the MMIWG Inquiry and ZERO TOLERANCE, the government of Québec announced an investment of $19.2M in the following areas: Hiring additional Indigenous workers responsible for providing crime victims assistance services ($7.7 million): These workers will be deployed in the CAVAC network and in Indigenous organizations that have established victim...

February 26, 2021


Aboriginal Justice Inquiry

Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) – On Aboriginal Justice Awareness Day, AMC Grand Chief Arlen Dumas called out both the federal and provincial governments on their failure to fully implement the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry (AJI). The 1987 trial and outcome of the kidnapping and murder of Helen Betty Osborne led to widespread calls for a...

September 30, 2020


Viens Commission Final Report: Progress Report

Office of the Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs – The government is pleased to announce that out of 142 calls for action, 51 of direct concern to it are already under discussion, completed or on the way to completion, for example: Call for action 1: Make a public apology to members of First Nations and...

September 6, 2020


Ipperwash Inquiry

Chiefs of Ontario – Sept. 6, 2020, was the 25th anniversary of the Ipperwash crisis, where Dudley George, an unarmed Indigenous man was killed by an OPP sniper while peacefully protesting the expropriation of land from the Stoney Point Indian Band by the federal government in 1942 for a military base. Ancestral burial grounds were...

September 30, 2019


Viens Commission Final Report

“Public Inquiry Commission on relations between Indigenous Peoples and certain public services in Québec: listening, reconciliation and progress: Final Report” (the Viens Commission) whose mandate was to investigate, ascertain the facts and make analyses with a view to making recommendations as to the concrete, effective and sustainable measures to be implemented by the Gouvernement du...

July 19, 2019


Exclusion of Métis from Residential School Settlement Agreement

Métis Nation of Saskatchewan – Île-à-la-Crosse boarding school was operated by the Province of Saskatchewan and the Catholic Church from 1906 to 1976. Former students of the school were not eligible for compensation under the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, as the school was never federally operated or administered. Former Île-à-la-Crosse students filed a class...

June 3, 2019


MMIWG Inquiry – Final Report

“National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girl Final Report (MMIWG)” states: Indigenous women and girls are 2.7 times more likely to experience violence than non-Indigenous women. ]Homicide rates for Indigenous women were nearly seven times higher than for non- Indigenous women. One quarter of all female homicide victims in Canada in 2015...