JustResearch Issue 15
First Nations, Métis and Inuit Justice Conferences 2008
National Conference: The Path to Justice, Access to Justice for individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
In September, 2008, the Yukon Department of Justice, in collaboration with the steering committee on Access to Justice for individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and the Department of Justice Canada, will be hosting a national conference to address the barriers individuals with FASD face in accessing the justice system. The purpose of the conference is to review best practices and approaches and to obtain commitment from participants to actively work to reduce these barriers. Participants will include key decision-makers from various federal and provincial government departments, non-governmental and community-based organizations, as well as experts in the field of Access to Justice and FASD. Due to socioeconomic conditions and a willingness to identify and address this issue, FASD is overrepresented in some northern and First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities. While the conference does not focus exclusively on Aboriginal populations, there will be Aboriginal speakers and attendees represented at the conference, which is intended to broaden understanding of this issue and contribute to identifying meaningful solutions to address the barriers individuals with FASD have in accessing the justice system.
For more information contact Charlotte Fraser, Research Analyst at chfraser@justice.gc.ca or 613 946-9283
Indian Residential Schools and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Seetal Sunga, A/Director of Indian Residential Schools Resolution Canada
Indian Residential Schools were boarding schools for Aboriginal children operated throughout Canada by the federal government and religious organizations for over a century; the last school closed in 1996. During this period, harms and abuses were committed against the children who attended these schools, and as a result, numerous lawsuits were launched against the federal government, churches and others.
The Assembly of First Nations, other Aboriginal organizations, the federal government, churches, as well as the class representatives and the lawyers representing them, proposed a class action settlement to the courts and former students for approval, while providing former students the opportunity to optout of the class action.
The courts approved the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement (Settlement Agreement). The Settlement Agreement aims to promote healing, reconciliation and relationship-building for former students and their descendants. It includes compensation for abuse claims and collective and programmatic components. There was an overwhelming response from former students who wished to partake in the Settlement.
A key component of the Settlement Agreement is the creation of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), which will be comprised of a Chairperson and two Commissioners, who will be persons of sound judgement and integrity, with recognized stature and respect. At least one of the three members will be an Aboriginal person. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission will promote public education and awareness about the Indian Residential Schools (IRS) and their legacy, as well as provide former students, their families and communities with the opportunity to share their IRS experiences in a safe and culturally-appropriate environment through a series of national and community events. It is expected that high level government and church officials will participate in these events. The TRC will also establish a research centre for ongoing access to the records collected throughout the TRC’s work.
An important aspect of the Commission’s work will be the production of a comprehensive report containing the results of its research and recommendations concerning the Indian Residential Schools legacy. The Commission will be able to use a multidisciplinary approach, including recognition of the experiential expertise of IRS survivors.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission will begin its work in early 2008.
For further information on the schools and the class action Settlement Agreement, please visit this website: http://www.residentialschoolsettlement.ca
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