Mushkegowuk Council 34th Annual Mamowihitowin

Resolution No. 2019-10-12

Attawapiskat First Nation

Kashechewan First Nation

Fort Albany First Nation

Moose Cree First Nation

Taykwa Tagamou Nation

Chapleau Cree First Nation

Missanabie Cree First Nation

Deputy Chief Leslie Nolan Missinabie Cree First Nation

Chief Mervin Cheechoo

Moose Cree First Nation

Certified copy of a resolution passed on October 25th , 2019

October 252019

Attawapiskat First Nation

Restorative Justice Program

WHEREAS Mushkegowuk communities have an inherent right of self-governance, especially with respect to matters of justice, and law and order; and

WHEREAS under the direction of the Chiefs of Treaty No. 9, Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services Corporation created the Restorative Justice Program in 1996, recognizing the significant need for alternatives to the criminal justice system for the communities it serves; and

WHEREAS the Restorative Justice Program allows Mushkegowuk communities to play a central role in the administration of justice within their communities; and

WHEREAS, restorative justice has a demonstrated beneficial impact on victims, perpetrators and their communities because it facilitates processes of healing centered on respect and responsibility; and

WHEREAS, the development of the restorative justice program in each Mushkegowuk community is necessary to fully implement the program so the community members can restore community relations at an early state

WHEREAS, referrals to the Restorative Justice Program can be made by a variety of actors, including Nishnawbe-Aski Police Services (NAPS) Officers who can make precharge referrals;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mushkegowuk Council will engage in discussions with Nishnawbe Aski Legal Services about expanding the Restorative Justice program to each Mushkegowuk community and to engage Nishnawbe-Aski Police Services about their pre-charge referral practices to determine if they are used as often as it is appropriate.