'It really is a huge step forward': Indigenous court officially opens in Edmonton
A ceremony was held Friday to officially open the new Indigenous court at Alberta's provincial courts.
"The court has been challenged to come up with better ways, more culturally appropriate ways to deal with the issues that face Indigenous communities," said Chief Judge Derek Redman.
"This is our very first concrete step in that regard."
It's part of the Alberta provincial court's Indigenous Justice Strategy, announced Wednesday, to address issues including mistrust in the justice system by Indigenous people, and the disproportionate number of Indigenous children in care and overrepresentation of Indigenous people in custody.
The court has been serving Indigenous people since February, but the official opening ceremony was held Friday, on the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.
"Today is a day of reflection, but it has to be more than that," said Marlene Orr, CEO of Native Counselling Services of Alberta. "It has to be a day of learning and a day of action, and in celebrating the opening of Indigenous court it really is a huge step forward in addressing the systemic issues that contribute to the overrepresentation of our people in justice and corrections."
Orr said it's designed to work with people to address historical trauma and focuses on healing and rehabilitation. It also gives Indigenous people a more culturally relevant space in the justice system.
Eagle feathers, instead of bibles or holy books, are available for affirming or swearing oaths. Translation services are offered for people wanting to go through processing in their own language, and the court has a protocol for facilitating smudging ceremonies.
Dealing primarily with bail and sentencing hearings, it's open to any accused or offender who is Indigenous and chooses to have their matter dealt with through the Indigenous court.
"They have the option to come to this court to be treated in a way differently from the mainstream," Redman said. "We try and incorporate Indigenous cultural practices, we involve Elders who can assist in the rehabilitation plan.
"Ultimately the goal is to make this court system a court system for every Albertan in the province."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.
'I just want to be safe': Ukrainian man in Canada faces limbo amid consular freeze
A recent decision to restrict consular services for fighting-aged Ukrainian men has made a Ukrainian man in Canada feel less certain of his next steps — and worried he could be pulled back to the war.
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.