SASKATCHEWAN

Aboriginal justice conference finds hope

While a conference on aboriginal justice issues used to spark anger, today it's inspiring hope. That was one of the conclusions reached by former premier Roy Romanow and Saskatoon provincial court Judge Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond, co-chairs of a conference in Regina examining aboriginal justice issues and challenges.

The three-day national conference, titled Moving Towards Justice, ended Friday. In her closing remarks, Turpel-Lafond said there's little question the justice system across Canada is being transformed as both aboriginal and non-aboriginal leaders work together. "It's a journey," she said. "Many of the changes are well on their way."

Romanow, a former attorney general, also expressed optimism, but noted progress has been slow. "There is much to decry about the fact that the commitments made, and the treaties and the obligations made solemnly, have not been fulfilled. They have been continuously broken. And this is a source of great shame to . . . Canada and requires our urgent attention." While he takes comfort that progress is being made, "there's so much more (to be done)." Earlier in the day, a session on prosecutions and corrections reforms looked at some of the challenges.

In 2003, the province began assessing youth in the justice system to determine their risk of re-offending. Among the factors considered are education, substance abuse, family ties, attitudes, companions and mental health, Dr. Brian Rector, director of program development and therapeutic services with Saskatchewan Corrections, explained in a presentation.

Four per cent of the youth (both in and out of custody) rated "very low" -- meaning they have a 10 per cent chance of reoffending in the next two years.

"This is good. . . . What this is saying is kids who shouldn't be involved in the justice system aren't," said Rector.

Saskatchewan News Network
4 March 2006

http://www.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/story.html?id=e72dc8c8-37e5-44f4-8467-86bcbbbeba9a&k=25272

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