Provincial Court of Alberta Releases Aboriginal Justice Strategy

The Alberta Provincial Court has unveiled a new Indigenous Justice Strategy after two years of discussions with First Nations and Métis leaders, as well as legal groups.

The plan, unveiled by Chief Justice Derek Redman on Wednesday, includes 20 concrete steps the court aims to take to better serve Indigenous peoples.

A summary of the strategy indicates that it includes ensuring that judges and staff have a comprehensive understanding of Indigenous history, heritage and laws, as well as establishing Indigenous cultural practices in courthouses and courtrooms.

He said meetings should be held annually between court leaders, Treaty 6, 7 and 8 leaders and leaders of the Métis Nation of Alberta and the Métis settlements to maintain relationships and meet the needs of the community.

The announcement came two days before the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Redman, who was named chief justice in 2020, is from Lethbridge, Alta., and has been practicing law since the early 1980s.

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First Nations Lawyer on Indigenous Peoples and the Justice System