The Aboriginal Justice Strategy

The Aboriginal Justice Strategy (AJS) is composed of community-based justice programs that are cost-shared with provincial and territorial governments, and self-government negotiations in the field of administration of justice. Of these components, only the community-based justice programs provide contribution funding to Aboriginal communities.

Objectives

to support Aboriginal communities as they take greater responsibility for the administration of justice;
to help reduce crime and incarceration rates in the communities that administer justice programs; and
to improve Canada's justice system to make it more responsive to the justice needs and aspirations of Aboriginal people.

Key Activities

The AJS supports four types of alternative justice activities and programs at the community and regional level, cost-shared with the provincial and territorial governments:

Diversion or alternative measures;
Community sentencing circles and peacemaking;
Mediation and arbitration in family and civil cases; and
Court/community Justice Program

AJS programs supported to date have been managed by First Nations and Tribal Councils, community groups, urban Aboriginal coalitions, and other non-profit organizations.