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Aboriginal Courtwork Program"... it is difficult, if not impossible, to ensure equality before the law for Native people in our criminal courts when so many Native people do not understand the nature of the charges against them, the implications of a plea, the basic court procedures and legal terminology, or their right to speak on their own behalf or to request legal counsel." From Preamble of 1978 NCW Agreement HistoryIn the early 1960s, Native Friendship Centers in various parts of the country began to help the growing numbers of Aboriginal people appearing before the criminal courts. Volunteers helped Aboriginal accused obtain legal representation and access health and social services. They also comforted Aboriginal accused and guided them through a system that was very foreign to them. In the late 1960s, the federal government recognized the value of these services. Federal financial support began in 1969, and by 1972, the Department of Justice was authorized to fund pilot projects supporting guidance and information to Aboriginal people involved in the criminal justice system. With approval from the Treasury Board in 1978, the pilot concept was expanded and became the Native Courtworker Program (now known as the "Aboriginal Courtwork Program"). In 1987, the mandate of the program was revised to include services to Aboriginal youth, following the adoption of the Young Offenders Act. Research undertaken over the past two decades has consistently found that core courtworker services are effective and valued not only by clients, but also by Aboriginal community representatives and criminal justice personnel. Program ObjectivesOverall, the Program helps Aboriginal people who are in conflict with the criminal justice system to obtain fair, just, equitable, and culturally sensitive treatment. Specifically, the Aborginal Courtwork Program seeks to:
What Courtworkers DoCourtworkers perform a number of activities that support the Program's objectives, and the Program is evolving as courtworkers are challenged to expand the boundaries of their traditional court-based roles. Besides providing in-court information, advice, and community referrals to Aboriginal persons in conflict with the law, courtworkers are increasingly involved in helping promote and facilitate alternative justice models, cooperating with community councils, and coordinating client participation in diversion programs. How the Program WorksThe Aborginal Courtwork Program is accessible to all Aboriginal people regardless of status or residency. Furthermore, the Program is national in scope. Currently, the Aborginal Courtwork Program is operating in every jurisdiction except New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. In most jurisdictions, Aboriginal Courtworker services are delivered by Aboriginal delivery agencies under contract to the provincial or territorial government. In Manitoba, courtworkers are actual employees of the provincial government. In the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, Legal Services Clinics provide courtworker services. FundingThe Program is cost-shared with provincial and territorial governments through a contribution agreement. In 2005-2006, total federal funding for the Program was $5.5 million. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Contact InformationPrograms Branch Telephone: |
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Last Updated: 2005-10-20 | ![]() |
Important Notices |