Justice Unit
Justice as Healing “to enhance and support the provision of justice services and develop new initiatives in a culturally sensitive manner, recognizing the importance of utilizing First Nations methods to heal both the individuals and communities within the Prince Albert Grand Council region and surrounding areas, while adhering to the Spirit and Intent of the Treaties”.
Types of programming provided are:
- Victim/Offender Mediation
- Accountability Hearing
- Formal Cautioning Agreements
- Family Group Conferencing
- Healing & Talking and Sentencing Circles
- Community Justice Forums.
We continue to see an increase of files being diverted from the Courts to our program, and we maintain constant contact with the Crown and the Police to encourage more files to be directed to the program to be dealt with.
It is encouraging to see more jurisdictions going the Pre-Charge route with Alternative Measures instead of tying up our already stressed court system.
When called upon the Justice Unit mediators can assist in diffusing situations before they become a matter for the police and courts through mediation. This includes situations in the home, schools and workplaces.
The First Nations Cadet Corps is not only designed to keep youth out of trouble and out of our court system, but to encourage and prepare for the future in which we may need future officers for Self Administered policing which is presently sought by PAGC and some First Nations.
Rural Community Justice Program
The Rural Justice Program continues to provide services to the communities such as, but not limited too:
- Crime Prevention Programming
- Aboriginal Shield Program (Alcohol & Drug Prevention)
- Anger Management Facilitation Training and classes
- Sentencing Circles/Healing Circles
- Gang Prevention and presentations in conjunction with the RCMP
The Rural Community Justice Program is a community-based program that diverts youth and adult offenders away from the formal court system. The Program receives Pre-Charge and Post-charge referrals from RCMP, Crown Prosecutors schools and continues to see an increase of referrals from presiding Judges.
This year, we have seen an increase in pre-charge referrals. This is where police, schools, band administration can elect to have matters referred to Alternative Measures in lieu of going through the courts. If the post charge route is not successful, then the regular process can still be used.
Community Forums were held in various communities to deal with criminal matters committed by a group of youths. This forum consisted of bringing community members, the accused’s, the police and representatives of the band together to deal with this matter in an open discussion and solution. These forums were found to be very beneficial and will be used more in the future.
Contact Us
77B-11th Street West
P.O. Box 2350
Prince Albert, SK S6V 6Z1
Ph: 953-7254
Fax: 764-7295
First Nations Cadet Corps
PAGC Urban Cadet Corps Program and Sturgeon Lake Cadets is now back up to full strength at the Margo Fournier Center along with Red Earth joining us this year.
- Structure & Discipline
- A Sense of Belonging
- Motivation
- Recreation
- An Opportunity to Lead
- Hope and Self Worth
Cadets from PA Urban, Sturgeon Lake and Red Earth were involved in Indigenous Day March and Grand entry as well as the Sturgeon Lake Pow Wow.
Prince Albert Urban Alternative Measures Program
The Prince Albert Urban Alternative Measures Program (PAUAMP) is under the umbrella of the Prince Albert Grand Council since launch in 1996-1997.
AUAMP is a status blind program which receives post charge referrals from the Crown Prosecutors office. Pre-Charges are received from the Prince Albert City Police and RCMP; however, the decision to refer a pre-charge is at the discretion of the Crown Prosecutors.
This year, we have seen a few pre-charge referrals as well as mediation in office conflicts between workers.
Sask. Aboriginal Court Worker Program
The Court Worker Program operates in conjunction with the Rural Community Justice Program as many of the Justice Workers divide their duties between both programs.
The role of the court worker is to support clients that are in the judicial system by attending court with the client, answering any questions the client may have, advising the client of their rights, and referring the client to specific services such as Legal Aid. Workers continue to receive training to upgrade their skills and level of service.
PAGC Court Workers Program has been able to continue service to clients through phone, social media and meetings held and adhering to preventative protocol.
The court worker program continues to improve and expand which has resulted in our funding for services doubling allowing the training of more court workers and workers at more points.