Indigenous Justice

More than 170 justice professionals gathered at the PEI Convention Centre in Charlottetown in October for the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI’s Indigenous Justice Gathering. The theme of the event focused on the unique systemic challenges faced by Indigenous women and girls in the criminal justice system. 

Indigenous women represent fewer than 4% of women in Canada, yet they account for half of all women in federal prisons due to many factors including systemic racism, discrimination, and intergenerational trauma. The Indigenous Justice Gathering provided an opportunity to address these challenges, create meaningful discussions, and encourage positive change across systems. 

The gathering featured inspiring stories, lived experience, and first-hand information from those working tirelessly to create change within the justice system including Senator Kim Pate, Judge Laurel Halfpenny-MacQuarrie, and Dr. Pam Palmater of Eel River Bar First Nation. Their presentations emphasized urgent areas of focus including moving beyond symbolic reconciliation, addressing the systemic flaws that contribute to the over-criminalization of Indigenous people, and allowing Indigenous communities control to shape their own justice systems with Elders at the centre of healing plans.

Over 170 justice professionals from across Epekwitk attended including judges, crown prosecutors, lawyers, probation and correctional officers, mental health and addiction, social support, and clinical services professionals. 

An important part of the gathering was raising cultural awareness and understanding. Knowledge Keeper, Julie Pellissier-Lush, opened and closed the event with special prayers, and Elder Judy Clark offered cultural teachings reflective of Mi’kmaq culture. Participants also experienced traditional dancing and drumming performances by the Mi’kmaq Heritage Actors. 

The Indigenous Justice Gathering was made possible through the continued leadership of the two First Nations in Epekwitk, with the support of the Government of Canada and the Province of Prince Edward Island. 

To learn more about the Indigenous Justice Gathering, visit mcpei.ca/indigenous-justice-gathering. To learn more about the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI’s Indigenous Justice Program, visit mcpei.ca/program/indigenous-justice.