In keeping with a commitment outlined in the BC First Nations Justice Strategy, the Government of British Columbia has announced the launch of the Indigenous Justice Secretariat, which will work to address the overrepresentation of and disproportionate impacts on Indigenous Peoples in the justice system and Indigenous children and youth in care. According to a press release from the BC Attorney General’s Office, “the BC First Nations Justice Strategy is designed by and for Indigenous Peoples to reform the colonial justice system and revitalize Indigenous legal practices and was endorsed by the Province and the BC First Nations Justice Council (BCFNJC) in 2020.”

The cross-ministry Indigenous Justice Secretariat will be housed within the BC Ministry of the Attorney General. It will be led by Métis-Cree lawyer and assistant deputy minister, Colleen Spier.

For more information about the access to justice goals of the newly launched Indigenous-led secretariat, or to view the BC Government’s press release, please visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023AG0025-000500.