Government Asking Elders for Advice

Government Asking Elders for Advice

Thursday, June 17, 2004 at 14:54

 

 

 

The provincial government has created a committee of First Nations and Metis elders to advise the departments of Justice and Corrections.

 

Justice Minister Frank Quennell and Corrections minister Peter Prebble were joined by 11 elders at a signing ceremony today.

 

The Traditional Elders Ministerial Advisory Committee will have representation from six Aboriginal language groups — Cree, Dene, Michif, Saulteaux, Dakota and Assiniboine.

 

The committee will provide advice on justice issues from the perspective of Aboriginal people and communities.

 

Quennel says the creation of the elders’ advisory committee moves the province a step closer to creating a justice system that responds to the needs of Aboriginal people.

 

Quennell says he can see the potential for this idea to be used by the province’s health department, as well.

 

Northern elders on the committee include Frank Mirasty of Flying Dust, Andy Naytowhow of Sturgeon Lake and Alfred Billlette of the Buffalo River Dene Nation.