Ontario approves establishment of Indigenous People's Court in Thunder Bay

The Chief Justice's Office, in the Ontario Court of Justice has approved the establishment of an Indigenous People's Court in Thunder Bay.

The new Court will use a restorative justice approach to sentencing.

It will also emphasize Indigenous culture and traditions to help heal Indigenous clients in conflict with the law.

"An essential part of this court is the individual takes responsibility of what he or she has done wrong and that is the beginning of the healing process," CelinaReitberger, executive director forNishnawbe-AskiLegal Servicesstated in a release.

The court will also draw on the experience of local elders during the court proceedings with the goal of reducing the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in custody.

Charlene Baglien, the executive director for the Thunder Bay Indian Friendship Centre said in a press release she is excited to get to the final stages of establishing the court.

"This court will be a powerful process to promote healing and reconciliation in our community and to use the teachings of Indigenous people to provide a wholistic approach to justice," Baglien said.