Justice Working Committee
Mandate and Purpose
The purpose for the Justice Working Committee is to have Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq, the Province of Nova Scotia and the Government of Canada discuss issues, develop solutions and suggest actions with respect to justice for Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq.
The focus is to develop culturally appropriate justice services for Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq.
The mandate for the Justice Working Committee is to provide a framework in which Mi’kmaq, Nova Scotia and Canada can work together in a cooperative way to discuss issues, develop plans and recommend action regarding justice services for Mi’kmaq people.
The focus is on objectives to promote culturally appropriate programs and services for inclusive community safety within a secure funding base. Such services may include the development of dispute resolution services and the further development of initiatives grounded in traditional Mi’kmaq Customary Law.
The Justice Working Committee promotes Mi’kmaw justice concepts, in consultation and cooperation with the Mi’kmaq communities and other relevant government agencies through the Tripartite Forum; the administration and professional delivery of Mi’kmaq justice services to ensure that they are accountable to communities, efficient, effective, equitable and financially stable.
This incorporates the spirit and intent of the Royal Commission on the Donald Marshall Jr. Prosecution (1989) in the work of the Justice Committee,and the spirit and intent of the 21995 report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal People Bridging the Cultural Divide in the work of the Justice Committee.
The Justice Working Committee includes representations from:
- The Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq
- Nova Scotia Native Women’s Association
- Union of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq
- Mi’kmaq Young Offender Program
- Aboriginal Justice Directorate
- Aboriginal and Diversity Policing Services RCMP “H” Division
- Nova Scotia Office of L’nu Affairs
- Indigenous Services Canada
- Nova Scotia Correctional Services
- Justice Canada
- Nova Scotia Department of Justice
- Court Service, Justice
- Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service
- Canadian Human Rights Commission
2018-2019 Workplan Goals
- Goal One (1): Bylaw Project Governance and Management (Phase One)
- Goal Two (2): Strengthen Collaboration and Support the Mi’kmaw Legal Support System (MLSN)
- Goal Three (3): Support Implementation of the Mi’kmaw Child Welfare Initiative
- Goal Four (4): Establish Gender and Safety Healing Committee
- Future Goal: Bylaw Project (Phase Two)
The Justice Working Committee Co-chairs:
- Mi’kmaq Co-chair: Shelly Martin (Millbrook First Nation)
- Provincial Co-chair: Wayne Woodard
- Federal Co-chair: David Hansen
Recent News
From the Justice Working Committee
Documents
From the Justice Working Committee
Example Justice Document
July 17, 2023
