IJC OPENING

Indigenous Justice Centre hosts grand opening

Jan 26, 2022 | 4:52 PM

PRINCE GEORGE—Indigenous Peoples do not always have the same access to legal services as other. Which is a problem that the BC First Nations Justice Council wants to solve.

Although four locations have been open for more than a year, the council hosted a virtual ‘grand opening’ celebration on Wednesday for their Indigenous Justice Centers.

Prince George, Prince Rupert, and Merrit all have a physical location. A virtual justice centre is also available for those in rural communities. The Prince George location is across the street from the courthouse. Opening these IJC buildings were part of a strategy that was formed in 2020.

“Deliver services in a different way and to enhance and improve the experience Indigenous Peoples when they come in conflict with the justice system.” said Renzo Caron, Provincial Director, Indigenous Justice Centre BC First Nation Justice Council.

Just like other law firms, you can expect the same legal services; but the provincial director for the IJC says there’s a strong focus on addressing disproportional Indigenous representation within criminal law, child care, and those who are already incarcerated.

“What makes us different is that we provide legal services in a different way. Our model makes us different, as far as having a lawyer, a legal assistant, but we also have a community outreach worker/advocate and that individual provides wrap-around services, support services.” said Caron.

During the virtual celebration, staff members introduced themselves and Attorney General David Eby also highlighted the importance of the virtual location helping those in rural communities.

Regional Chief Terry Teegee also worked alongside the council to make the IJCs possible. he says it’s a service that’s extremely valuable to Indigenous Peoples.

“Far too often, we don’t have resources to go through the judical system and people don’t have the resource to understand the legal system and also to help them navigate the really complicated system.” said Teegee.

The provincial director of the IJC says he wants to expand to 15 brick and mortar stores.