About Aboriginal Justice
KCSS has been delivering Aboriginal Justice Initiatives to Prince Rupert and the surrounding region since 1999. Our programs are funded by both the Aboriginal Justice Strategy and Provincial Corrections.
The Aboriginal Justice Initiative was established to consider and address the over-representation of Aboriginal people in conflict with the law, and the fact that the incarceration rate for Aboriginal people is higher than that of non-Aboriginal people. For background on the Aboriginal Justice Initiative and legislative developments, click here.
The Aboriginal Justice Strategy enables Aboriginal communities to have increased involvement in the local administration of justice and, where appropriate, provides alternatives to mainstream justice processes. The strategy is described here.
For information and education on the programs and resources available to both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people, visit the Justice Education Society’s website here.
For information on Simon Fraser’s Centre for Restorative Justice, click here.
Our Goals
- to administer an Alternative Justice Program for people in Prince Rupert and the vicinity by incorporating cultural, restorative, and holistic approaches;
- to promote the Program within schools and public agencies;
- to reduce the number of people in the court system and in detention centers;
- to reduce the recidivism rate; and
- to provide advisory services in relation to sentencing for the courts.
Conflict inflicts harm. Through this program, individuals must accept responsibility for the harm they have caused and work towards repairing this harm. Through our programs, we bring together victims, offenders, and the community to take part in developing and implementing solutions that are beneficial to those affected.
Our clients include youth and adults from both the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities.
Help Make a Difference –
Take an Active Role!
Inviting Volunteers
From time to time we look for people from Prince Rupert and the north coast region to join us as volunteers. We will help educate you about the Aboriginal Justice process. Our Circles include Elders, representatives from our communities, and advocates. Due to limited funding, our recruitment process is not ongoing; we advertise when we seek to fill vacancies. All of our volunteers are required to submit to a criminal record check to complete our training program.
Alternative Measures for Adult Corrections
When it is not necessary or beneficial to prosecute a person accused of committing a crime, the Criminal Code of Canada allows Crown counsel to determine if an alternative measures program would be more suitable. These programs are used for less serious offenses and must at all times protect the public. We work with Provincial Corrections to administer this program.
Cultural Connections
Cultural Connections aims to help people establish a healthier relationship with their culture. Many of our Indigenous clients live off-reserve and do not have strong connections with their culture. Cultural workshops are planned on a seasonal basis and work to help introduce or re-introduce clients to traditional handicrafts and items. This program is funded by Trigon Terminals.
Respectful Relationships
This program is intended for people who assault their partners. Its purpose is to make offenders aware of the values and beliefs of abusive behaviour; how abusive behaviour affects women and children; and non-violent skills that foster respectful relationships.
Substance Abuse Management
This program is aimed at teaching participants ways of reducing the harm of alcohol and drug use on themselves by changing thinking and behaviour towards alcohol and drug abuse.