Native Students Learning About Justice System

Native Students Learning About Justice System

Wednesday, February 27, 2008 at 14:35

 

 

A Saskatoon school is bringing police and the justice system into the classroom . . . but not to reprimand students.

 

Instead, the purpose is to teach youths about how the system works and to expose them to possible career choices.

 

The class is called the Aboriginal Youth Police and Justice Program, and it’s offered at E.D. Feehan High School.

 

Course instructor Randy Morin has brought in police officers, lawyers, and peacekeepers to speak to the class of 20.

 

Morin says “alarm bells go off” in Aboriginal people’s heads when the police or the justice system are mentioned.

 

He says the key is get students aware of what those entities are -– to “demystify” the stereotypes Native people have with the justice system and police.

 

The program is a joint initiative between the Central Urban Metis Federation, the Saskatoon Tribal Council, the Saskatoon Police Service, and the Saskatoon Greater Catholic School Division.

 

Students receive a Grade 12 credit for the night class.

 

This is the first time the class has been offered — and Morin hopes if it goes well, it will be offered in the fall semester, as well.