(June 11, 2025 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa) – Today, the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) released its National First Nations Justice Strategy (FNJS), a landmark document resulting from nearly five years of consultation with First Nations and co-development with the Government of Canada’s Department of Justice. Although Indigenous people represent only 5% of the adult population in Canada, they account for nearly one-third of the federally incarcerated population, and more than 50% of all federally incarcerated women are Indigenous. The FNJS aims to address long-standing issues with the justice system, police, and corrections with 25 strategies that are flexible, First Nations-driven approaches to reform Canada’s criminal justice system.
“We are proud to share this transformational strategy, which can act as a blueprint for change. The FNJS identifies two clear paths to follow: first, to revitalize First Nations laws and legal systems and second, to reform the Canadian criminal justice system. Some of the strategies identified along these two paths include providing legal frameworks and legislative authority to support the enforcement of First Nations laws, advancing culturally responsive policing services, establishing a national gang-exit strategy, and increasing access to First Nations-controlled healing lodges,” said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak.
“I acknowledge and uplift the leadership of the British Columbia region and Regional Chief Terry Teegee for advancing this work,” concluded National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “The British Columbia (BC) First Nations Justice Strategy was an integral part of developing the national strategy we share today. Thanks to the expertise of the BC technicians and the input from First Nations coast to coast to coast, we now have a robust strategy with 25 clear recommendations for change. As Canada enters its new era of prosperity for all, this must be the time for positive justice reform.”
“The prevalence of unchecked systemic racism in our public institutions has resulted in a disproportionate number of First Nations peoples being underserved and over-incarcerated by Canada’s justice system,” stated BCAFN Regional Chief Terry Teegee. “Canada’s current justice model has failed First Nations Peoples. Today’s release of the AFN National FNJS outlines a new path forward; one supported by the UN Declaration and First Nations’ inherent rights and jurisdiction. It directly aligns with Action Plan Measures #28, #60, #61, and #99 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act’s National Action Plan. This strategy calls for reforming the existing justice system and revitalizing First Nations’ jurisdiction over our own laws and legal orders, in partnership with First Nations. We now look to this new federal government to come to the table and work with us to implement these critical calls to action.”
“The FNJS is a critical step toward addressing systemic discrimination and the overrepresentation of Indigenous peoples in the justice system,” said AFN Quebec-Labrador Regional Chief Francis Verreault-Paul. “The First Nations Quebec-Labrador Health and Social Services Commission is currently developing a regional justice strategy that reflects the diversity and unique characteristics of the Quebec-Labrador region. This initiative is the result of comprehensive consultations with First Nations leadership, communities, organizations, youth, women, elders, justice-related services and urban organizations to identify priorities and needs. To ensure its success, the Government of Canada must secure needs-based funding that supports culturally grounded First Nations systems, policies, and laws.”
“The BC First Nations Justice Council is pleased to see that the AFN National FNJS reflects the work we have been doing in BC for the past five years under the BC First Nations Justice Strategy,” said Kory Wilson (Hemas Kla-Lee-Lee-Kla), Chair of the BC First Nations Justice Council. “Advancing systemic change is not easy, but together we are stronger. Collaboration and alignment among First Nations, provincial, federal, and community governments is required to transform the current legal system into one that upholds true justice. We call on Canada to follow BC’s lead and prioritize funding for the Nations, communities, and organizations that are leading this work and paving the way for true systemic change.”
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The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organization that works to advance the collective aspirations of First Nations individuals and communities across Canada on matters of national or international nature and concern.
For more information, please contact:
Cherish Francis
Press Secretary
National Chief’s Office
(343) 630-1372 (mobile)
[email protected]
Genna Benson
Director of Communications
Assembly of First Nations
[email protected]
604-340-3117 (mobile)