About the Event National Justice Forum on Reform of Justice Systems
The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) will be hosting a National Justice Forum which aims to provide First Nations an opportunity to discuss the reform of justice systems that will inform the implementation of the First Nations component of the Indigenous Justice Strategy. The forum will showcase community justice programs, Gladue programs, wrap-around supports, and healing lodges that are leading the way in reforming the justice system.
Register Now
This website will provide information on the AFN National Justice Forum on Reform of Justice Systems. Check back for updated information as details are confirmed.
How to Attend Find out how to register, how to get there, and where to stay.
Registration
Who should attend?
- First Nations Chiefs and Council and technicians
- First Nations justice practitioners
- First Nations youth
- Lawyers
- Law students
There is a fee to register for in-person attendance and virtual attendance is provided at no cost.
Please select from the options below to register:
- In-Person: May 28-29, 2025, 9:00am-5:00pm ET
- Online: May 28-29, 2025, 9:00am-5:00pmET
Virtual participants will receive an email closer to the Forum date with information including:
- Virtual meeting link.
The AFN is inviting law students attending law schools in Canada who are interested in participating in the forum in-person, to submit a one-page statement indicating why you are interested in the topic of the forum, Reform of Justice Systems, along with a resume for consideration. Please send submissions to the AFN Justice Sector, via email to [email protected], by no later than Friday, March 14, 2025. The registration fee, travel and accommodations will be covered for up to 10 law students. Those selected will be asked to provide a brief reflections paper after the event.
More information and updates on this National Justice Forum will be available on the AFN website (www.afn.ca).
Should you have any questions or need technical assistance, please email us at [email protected].
Accommodations
The Assembly of First Nations has arranged for a block reservation at Le Westin Montreal. The Room Rate is $299 for traditional single/double rooms, plus applicable taxes and fees.
The cutoff date to make reservations under the block reservation is April 27, 2025.
Reservations can be made online through Le Westin Montreal:
Book your group rate for AFN’s National Forum on Reform of Justice Systems
For those not wishing to make a reservation online, please contact Le Westin Montreal through the following methods:
- Toll-Free: 1-866-837-4262
- Hotel Direct: (514) 380-3333
- Reservation Fax: (514) 380-3465
Background
In January 2021, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada was mandated to develop an Indigenous Justice Strategy (IJS) to address systemic discrimination and overrepresentation of Indigenous people across the justice system. The IJS would be informed by Indigenous-led engagement undertaken by communities and organizations as well as Justice Canada-led engagement to develop a culturally appropriate strategy including concrete recommendations for action.
In February 2024, the AFN released Assembly of First Nations Recommendations for a First Nations Justice Strategy (Recommendations Paper) informed by various sources and forums since 2020, including the BC First Nations Justice Strategy, AFN National Forums on policing and justice, AFN Virtual Justice Speaker Series, the 2023 Ten Years Since Spirit Matters report, and IJS engagement. This Recommendations Paper includes two main parts: (1) Reform of the criminal justice system (CJS), and (2) revitalization of First Nations traditional laws.
Part 1 of the Recommendations Report, the reform of the current criminal justice system, contained six considerations on the ineffectiveness of current reform measures and the need for new legislative developments, the systemic racism and retraumatizing experiences that permeate the CJS, underfunded and understaffed First Nations services, and the distinct differences of goals between the CJS and First Nations. Part 1 also included 14 recommendations on CJS reform focused on addressing systemic racism, ensuring the CJS is less adversarial, and more responsive and supportive to the needs of First Nations people.
The December 3-5, 2024, AFN Special Chief’s Assembly brought forth various discussions and Resolutions that reflected an urgency to address systemic injustices, including the passed emergency Resolution that calls for a National Inquiry into Systemic Racism in Policing.
Contact
If you have any questions regarding this National Justice Forum on Reform of Justice Systems, please contact the Assembly of First Nations by email at [email protected].