Leaders of B.C.’s justice and public-safety sector met with Indigenous leaders, justice experts and community workers for two days at the 10th B.C. Justice Summit on June 1 and 2 to discuss the relationship between Indigenous peoples and the justice system.

Representatives from the B.C. First Nations Leadership Council, the B.C. Assembly of First Nations, the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, the Métis Nation of B.C. as well as representatives of many Indigenous justice organizations and community programs were all present at the summit.

Photo Credit: B.C. Government

Those who attended participated in a dialogue that focused on the experience of Indigenous peoples with the justice system since colonization, how to achieve reconciliation as well as how to find pathways forward that will benefit Indigenous communities.

Participants discussed how to move to reconciliation in light of the historical past with residential schools and marginalization.

Judge Steven Point, former lieutenant governor of B.C., delivered the keynote address.

Provincial representation was led by Attorney General David Eby, QC, and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth, with the official opposition represented by Mike Morris, critic for Solicitor General and MLA for Prince George-Mackenzie, and Michael Lee, critic for Attorney General and MLA for Vancouver-Langara.  

The 11th summit, set for next year, will bring forth recommendations that will contribute to the development of an Indigenous strategy for British Columbia.

Visit the B.C. Government website for more information on this year's summit.