Policy Institute Hosts Native Justice Gathering

Policy Institute Hosts Native Justice Gathering

Wednesday, March 01, 2006 at 14:33

A conference begins in Regina tonight about Canada’s justice system and its effect on Aboriginal people.

John Whyte is a senior policy analyst with the Saskatchewan Institute of Public Policy, the group putting on the event.

He says it’s clear that the federal justice system has to become more responsive and effective when dealing with Aboriginal people.

Speakers from both Canada and the U.S. will address conference delegates this week about the need to include more culturally-appropriate methods in the corrections system.

However, Whyte says finding the collective will to embrace them may be the toughest task — noting many people are not in favour of concepts like a separate justice system for Aboriginal people or separate Aboriginal sentencing measures.

Whyte says not all traditional justice structures have to be torn down to bring meaningful change, but adds there is going to have to be some give and take in all sectors.

Former premier Roy Romanow and provincial court judge Mary-Ellen Turpel-Lafond are also scheduled to speak.