Six new centres located across B.C. promise to offer First Nations culturally appropriate legal advice, representation and referrals to local support services.
B.C.'s Attorney-General Niki Sharma Thursday announced the six new Indigenous justice centres in Kamloops, where Boyd Peters, vice-chair of the B.C. First Nations Justice Council, joined her. New centres will also open Williams Lake, Cranbrook, Port Hardy, Fort St. John and a shared location serving the communities of Burns Lake and Hazelton.
Sharma said the new centres fulfill government's commitment to create a network of such centres. B.C. had first announced in 2023 that it would spend $44 million to add 10 new centres to add to the existing five.
Sharma added the centres help address the over-representation of First Nations in the justice system and revive Indigenous law and traditions.
The new centres join those in Chilliwack, 麻豆精选, Merritt, Nanaimo, Prince George, Prince Rupert, Surrey, Vancouver and Victoria, along with a virtual centre serving the province remotely.
Kory Wilson, who chairs the B.C. First Nations Justice Council, welcomed the announcement.
"IJCs provide Indigenous clients with optimum legal representation and access to wraparound services that extend beyond their legal needs," Wilson said. "As those accessing our services often feel overwhelmed and disconnected from community, IJCs embrace them with care, honour their cultural identity and protect them from falling through the cracks."
More to come...
