The Government of Canada is committed to addressing the over-representation of Indigenous people in the criminal justice system. Through the Indigenous Community Corrections Initiative (ICCI), it supports the development of alternatives to custody and reintegration projects for Indigenous offenders.

Today, the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, the Honourable Ralph Goodale announced an investment of $978,272 through the ICCI for the University of Regina to implement the Navigator-Advocates: Integrated Supports for Justice-Involved Indigenous Youth and Adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

This alternative to custody and reintegration project is supported by frontline workers and peer mentors with trauma- and FASD-informed training who can effectively advocate for FASD-affected Indigenous offenders in Saskatchewan and the Yukon. The University partnership will include Indigenous organizations, as well as FASD and justice system stakeholders, to develop culturally relevant, community based interventions that are responsive to the unique circumstances of Indigenous people.

Quotes

“Our Government is working to help reverse Indigenous over-representation in Canada’s criminal justice system by supporting culturally-relevant interventions by community-based organizations.This partnership with the University of Regina will increase FASD-affected Indigenous offenders’ level of engagement and understanding of the system and of their disability, helping reduce their contact with the criminal justice system and make our communities safer.”

– The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

“This federal government funding provides our researchers and community partners with the means to undertake new approaches to delivering supports and services that are evidence-based and informed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s findings and calls to action. By implementing this advocacy program, Dr. Michelle Stewart and her team have the opportunity to remedy some of the broader structural issues faced by those with FASD who have contact with the justice system.”

– Dr. Vianne Timmons, University of Regina President and Vice-Chancellor

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