Family Court Set To Be Introduced On Reserve

Family Court Set To Be Introduced On Reserve

Wednesday, February 08, 2006 at 14:52

 

 

A new type of court will be held on the Ahtahkakoop First Nation next week.

 

Next Wednesday, a family court will make its debut on the reserve.

 

It will represent a first for Saskatchewan reserves.

 

The plan is to hold a sitting every two weeks in the community for the next two years.

 

The reserve is already home to a sitting of a criminal court, and organizers say the move into family law is a natural progression.

 

Band councillor Fletcher Greyeyes says part of the idea is to help reduce costs for band members who are often forced to drive to larger centres when dealing with civil matters.

 

Cree Court Judge Gerald Morin has been appointed to preside over the court when it begins.

 

Greyeyes says he’s hopeful the switch will bring more healing to the reserve.

 

Greyeyes adds the child and family services agency on the reserve is behind the move, as well.

 

A ceremony to mark the first sitting of the court will take place next Wednesday.