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Pictured: Minister of Justice Andrew Swan and Honourable Chief Judge Ken Champagne.
Youth on Trial:
Theres no shackles, no prison jumpsuit, not even any lawyers in this court proceeding, but there is a jury of ve Elders and the eyes of Manitobas top politicians and justice leaders watching. Among more than 100 band members in attendance on June18, sits Premier Greg Selinger, Minister of Justice Andrew Swan, Chief Judge Ken Champagne and other dignitaries. The Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation Family & Community Wellness Centre was holding a ctional Cree Youth Court trial at the Centre. The alternative community-based model offers an
The Centre hosts Premier Greg Selinger and Manitobas top justice officials to observe an alternative court system
alternative to the current system, and is meant to address the apparent failures the current system has when handling youth cases. In the North there is a lack of resources in all areas of youth justice, says Attorney Chris Poudrier of Funke Poudrier Law Ofce. First, there is no youth justice facility meaning youth spend detention time in Winnipeg or Portage, far away from family. Also, the system is backed up because of a lack of legal representation and thus youth wait a year or more for their case to be dealt with. Finally, there are few resources for rehabilitation and counselling. On a day when youth are set to make their rst appearance before a judge, its common to see a line-up so long, it extends outside the doors of NCNs arena. Many of the minors have been waiting up to a year to appear in court and the extended period on bail means its easy for them to rack up a number of breaching conditions charges. In a report, Poudrier recommends diverting non-violent cases to these community courts. Serious cases such as sexual assault or murder would still be
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Times and Locations: All summer camps run 1:00-4:00 p.m. Monday to Thursday & 1:00-3:00 p.m. on Fridays at the Dreamcatchers Head start Centre. Dragonflies Program is at the FCWC open area.
Lightning Bugs (Ages - 5-6) July 15-19 Day 1: Sports Day - Dental Care Badge & Get Active Sports Badge Day 2: Arts & Crafts - Arts & Crafts Badge Day 3: Nature Outing- Bugs & Blooms Badge Day 4: Baking Class (rice krispie squares)- Be a Friend Badge and marshmallow badge Day 5: Fun Day- Celebrate the Girl in Me Badge Contacts: Crystal, Patricia and Beverley Butterflies (Ages 7-8) July 8-12 Day 1: Sports Day - Bike Safety & Active Sports Badge Day 2: Arts & Crafts - Arts & Crafts Badge Day 3: Nature & Smores- Having more fun & Bugs & Bloom Badge Day 4: Friendship ActivitiesDay 5: Fun Day- Celebrate the Girl in Me Badge Contacts: Edith and Pamela Dragonflies (Ages 9-11) July 22-26 Day 1: Sports Day - Get Active Sports Badge Day 2: Arts & Crafts - Arts & Crafts Badge Day 3: Nature & Smores- Wiener Roast Badge & Bugs & Bloom Badge Day 4: Baking Class- Chefs Badge & Be a Friend Badge Day 5: Fun Day- Celebrate the Girl in Me Badge Contacts: Kimberly and Lorraine
the responsibility of the Manitoba court system. The majority of youth in jail are there for non violent offences and breaches of court orders, says Poudrier. We estimate one-half of all cases now in the system can be diverted resulting in huge cost savings for the Manitoba government. Youth Cree Court is also meant to reconcile the youth with his or her victim, family and community. This mock trial had a young man, and his family, face a jury of ve elders. In this ctional scenario the youth committed an act of mischief by breaking a window in the family home. After each appointed elder spoke with the youth he was sentenced, but they also looked at the root cause of the crime. They identied that the youth was acting out in response to the arguments and ghting that was going on in the home. The Elders in the Council of Justice sentenced him to community service, ordered a public apology to his parents and the community, counseling for anger management, individual counseling and the whole family was ordered to undergo therapy. The family was to report back in one month to review individual and family progress. Our young people are being held up in the justice system, says Manitoba
Keewatinowi Okimakanak Grand Chief David Harper after watching the trial. Its affected their employment and opportunities. At the end of the day we are changing a young persons life. Its amazing, the words that come from your elders mean more in the language that theyre spoken. MKO Advisor Walter Spence recognized the court can become a reality in Manitoba, but says the initial changeover may be difcult. This type of system has worked for generations with out people, says Spence I feel it will be benecial in stopping the barrier youth face in the justice system The only obstacle NCN Chief Jerry Primrose sees is if the youth court isnt implemented in the community. It will only fail if we dont follow through with it, says Chief Primrose. Its a beautiful concept, it will go a long way. It will bring change and change the outlook of the community. Flin Flon Member of Legislative Assembly Clarence Petterson, Associate Chief Judge Murray Thompson, Southern Chiefs Organization Chief Murray Clearsky and NCN Chief and Council were also in attendance. About 140 NCN members watched the trial.
To view a full album of the days events, visit the FCWC facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Family-andCommunity-Wellness-Centre/233757640020929?fref=ts
Held June 11 & 12, 2013 and organized by the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation Family and Community Wellness Centre.
Linda Wright, Head of Public Health, noted that overall the event was well attended by the community, with about 350 individual visits at the Gilbert McDonald Arena. The booths were well organized and put together, although Linda says next years goal is to make the booths more interactive and offer more demonstrations such as - how to safely remove mold from your home, and how to use a condom properly. Outside Presenters included: NCN Nursing Station - TB Unit Medicine Lodge - drugs, alcohol tobacco use Thompson Crisis Centre - Counselling/Domestic Violence High School tness activity/healthy food choices
Outside Presenters included: NCN Nursing Station - TB Unit Medicine Lodge - drugs, alcohol tobacco use Thompson Crisis Centre Counselling/Domestic Violence High School tness activity/healthy food choices
Vision
Nisichawayasihk Mithwayawin
Mission
In unity, we promote community awareness, empowerment, and a safe environment towards holistic wellness. ***For more information and resources on the FCWC visit our website ncncwellness.ca, or nd us on Facebook and Twitter.
14 Bay Road Drive Nelson House, MB R0B 1A0 Phone: (204) 484-2341 Fax: (204) 484-2351