Addressing the overrepresentation of Red River Métis people in the justice system in Manitoba

On October 11, 2022, the Government of Canada announced a total of over $1.68 million over five years in funding to the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF). This investment will support multiple programs and initiatives aimed at addressing the systemic discrimination and overrepresentation of Red River Métis people in the justice system in Manitoba.

These programs and initiatives are all delivered through the MMF’s Métis Justice Institute, which develops and maintains a wide range of justice services and programs to meet the needs and expectations of the community.

Métis Community Justice Program and Thompson Community Justice Program

The Métis Community Justice Program and Thompson Community Justice Program are court diversion programs that enhance the Red River Métis community’s capacity to deliver culturally appropriate, community-based alternatives to the justice system. The programs provide supports, services, advocacy and resources to referred individuals.

The supports and services delivered through these programs follow restorative justice principles, focused on building relationships within the community to repair harms caused by offenders. These processes are recognized as effective ways to reduce recidivism and lower the rates of overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the justice system.

Justice Canada is providing a total of $469,227 over five years in funding for the continued delivery of justice supports and services under the Métis Community Justice Program, and $483,377 over five years to support the Thompson Community Justice Program.

Métis Mediation Services

The MMF will establish new Métis Mediation Services, available through the Métis Community Justice Program, to assist individuals who require culturally sensitive child and family mediation supports. These new services will support individuals with all family-related issues, including separation and the development of custody agreements. These services will be available to all Red River Métis citizens, families and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals.

Justice Canada is providing $230,000 over three years to the MMF to support the creation of the new Métis Mediation Services program.

Through Budget 2021, the Government of Canada invested $27.1 million over three years to help Indigenous families navigate the family justice system and access community-based family mediation services. Funding for the creation of MMF’s Métis Mediation Services is part of this investment. 

“Métis Identity within the Justice System” Project

Through their “Métis Identity within the Justice System” project, the MMF will develop a series of Red River Métis distinctions-based education and training resources for justice professionals. The main objective of this project is to address underlying bias, racism and discrimination in the justice system that have led to the overrepresentation of Red River Métis in the justice system.

With this project, the MMF will provide justice professionals with in-depth educational materials and experiences to help them understand Red River Métis history, recognize the impacts of the justice system on individuals and the community, and consider Red River Métis-informed solutions to address the gaps and issues within the justice system.

Justice Canada is providing $255,645 over two years to the MMF to support this project.

To help reduce the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the criminal justice system, the Government of Canada’s 2020 Fall Economic Statement invested $49.3 million to support the implementation of Gladue Principles in the justice system across Canada, as well as Indigenous-led responses. Funding for the “Métis Identity within the Justice System” project is part of this investment.

The implementation of Gladue Principles in the justice system responds to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) Calls to Action 30, 31 and 38 and the National Inquiry into MMIWG’s Calls for Justice 5.11, 5.15 and 5.16.

Red River Métis Justice Strategy

To help inform the development of a national Indigenous Justice Strategy in Canada, the MMF will develop its own Red River Métis Justice Strategy. The Red River Métis Justice Strategy will seek to respond to the unique needs of the Red River Métis.

It will be developed through a multi-stage process of research, collaboration with Elders, Knowledge Keepers and other experts, and structured citizen engagement. Engagement activities will include interviews with Elders and Knowledge Keepers, forums on Red River Métis laws and justice traditions, focus groups with Red River Métis citizens involved with the criminal justice system, justice expert roundtables and in-person and online engagement with Red River Métis citizens.

Justice Canada is providing $250,000 over three years to support the development of the Red River Métis Justice Strategy, which will help inform the development of the Indigenous Justice Strategy to address systemic discrimination and the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the Canadian justice system.

Budget 2021 provided $11 million over three years in funding to support engagement with Indigenous communities and organizations on the development of legislation and initiatives that address systemic barriers in the justice system, including collaboration on an Indigenous Justice Strategy. Funding for the development of the Red River Métis Justice Strategy is part of this investment.

The development of the Indigenous Justice Strategy has the potential to respond to the TRC’s Calls to Action and the National Inquiry into MMIWG’s Calls for Justice that call for federal measures to improve access to justice, and address systemic racism and the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the justice system.