Actions and Commitments

Call to Action # 36: Justice (25-42)

Indigenous Justice Programs

January 1, 1970

Indigenous Justice Programs deliver programs and services in 34 communities throughout BC. The programs work to reduce victimization, crime and incarceration among Indigenous people by offering individualized programs such as diversion, alternative measures, community work service, sentencing input, restorative justice and reintegration services. As part of this program, BC Corrections and the Justice Institute of British Columbia collaborate to train independent Indigenous justice workers to deliver:

  • Domestic violence programs;
  • Substance abuse programs; and
  • Training in alternative measures.

At our custody centres, Indigenous service providers offer spiritual leadership and culturally relevant programming to inmates. Several custody centres have dedicated spaces for sweat lodges, smudges, healing ceremonies and talking circles. Aboriginal Liaison Workers provide counselling and crisis intervention, and connect Indigenous inmates and offenders with groups that help them reintegrate into their communities. Elders and spiritual advisors also deliver cultural awareness programming to inmates from other ethnicities to help foster peace and understanding. (A Profile of BC Corrections, 2017)