Metis Make Call for Cultural Sensitivity Training

Metis Make Call for Cultural Sensitivity Training

Tuesday, February 10, 2004 at 13:17

The Metis Nation of Saskatchewan feels there should be mandatory Aboriginal awareness training for anyone involved in the justice system.

That was one of 151 recommendations submitted by the MNS to the province’s justice reform commission yesterday.

The recommendations are the result of extensive consultations with Metis across the province.

Interim MNS vice president Alex Maurice says the sensitivity training recommendation alone could make a major difference in how Aboriginal people are dealt with by the authorities.

The MNS is also calling for an independent commission that would be arms length from government to provide an annual review of the justice system. Maurice would like to see an office that would be given powers similar to those given to the provincial ombudsman or the federal auditor general.

The Commission on First Nations and Metis Peoples and Justice Reform is expected to release its final report in late April.