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TRIPARTITE FORUM
April 6, 2004
Reducing the Representation of Mi’kmaq Youth in the Nova Scotia
Justice System
The Mi’kmaw Legal Support Network recently brought together over 80 people from Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal organizations in an effort to reduce the numbers of Mi’kmaw youth in the Nova Scotia justice system.
“Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq represent a small portion of the general population, but the number of youth in custody is unreasonably high,” said Janice Maloney, Mi’kmaw Legal Support Network director.
“With a rapidly growing young Mi’kmaq population it is expected the numbers will grow if there are no support measures.”
The workshops addressed youth issues, available resources and future proposals. Presenters brought forward factors including education, culture, language and health. The concern among the participants is that proper balance of these factors plays a part in Mi’kmaq youth choosing healthy lifestyles.
Presenter and participant Ann Marie MacInnes, crown attorney for the Public Prosecution Services, believes it is important for community members to come together to commit, “time, energy and talents towards identifying issues and challenges and working together towards solutions.”
A Mi’kmaq youth participant, who is currently in custody and can’t be identified due to the Youth Criminal Justice Act, said, “I think it’s good people are finally getting together to help the youth.”
The support of workshops like the two recently held in Millbrook and Wagmatcook pulls resources together and develops partnerships among Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal organizations.
Maloney said, “Whether it’s providing more activities or support to youth when they’re going through the justice system, all factors do interrelate. That’s why it’s important to bring community and justice programming together.”
The host organization, the Mi’kmaw Legal Support Network (MLSN) offers a restorative justice program for youth called the Mi’kmaw Customary Law Program. The MLSN strives to build and maintain support systems for Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq in the justice system.