[IPSM] CP: First Nations to takeover justice in Manitoba

[Dru Oja Jay]

Anyone know anything about this?

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First Nations to takeover justice in Manitoba

Canadian Press

WINNIPEG — Manitoba First Nations are going to take control over many 
justice services under a deal with the provincial government that is 
being billed as the first of its kind in Canada.

The Manitoba government and three native organizations signed a 
memorandum of understanding Tuesday that will allow native communities 
to take over so-called community justice services -- everything from 
probation to court-ordered anger management courses.

"We have been ready for a long, long time to develop a system that will 
reflect our culture and beliefs, and a system that will work for our 
people," said Grand Chief Sydney Garrioch of the Manitoba Keewatinowi 
Okimakanak, which represents northern native communities.

It will take quite a while to work out details of the agreement, but 
native leaders and the government are hoping that programs run by 
native communities will do a better job of reducing the number of 
aboriginals who get in trouble with the law.

"Community justice services will be provided by people who are familiar 
with the community (and) understand the background of those they help," 
said provincial Attorney General Gord Mackintosh, adding that the 
services will still have to follow the Criminal Code and other laws.

The agreement is in part a response to the 1991 Aboriginal Justice 
Inquiry, which examined the police shooting of Winnipeg aboriginal 
leader J.J. Harper.

One of the inquiry's many recommendations was a call to try to keep 
aboriginal convicts out of jail and strengthen their community ties.