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

Mushkegowuk Council 34th Annual Mamowihitowin

Chief David Nakogee

Attawapiskat First Nation

Tom Kioke, Proxy

Taykwa Tagamou Nation

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

Resolution No. 2019-10-13

Appointing Cree Speaking Justice of the Peace for Mushkegowuk Region

WHEREAS, Mushkegowuk communities have maintained a nation-to-nation relationship with Ontario and Canada; and

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

WHEREAS, all bail hearings for accused persons from Mushkegowuk communities are all held in Timmins and Cochrane; and thus, accused are deprived of the support systems provided by family and community; and

WHEREAS, sureties for accused persons from Mushkegowuk communities oftentimes cannot appear in-person to testify at bail hearings, placing the accused person at a disadvantage; and

October 252019

Attawapiskat First Nation

WHEREAS, Indigenous accused in Northern communities, in particular those facing language barriers, are more likely to plead guilty if they are denied bail, leading to a higher incidence of wrongful convictions and incarceration; and

WHEREAS, the Mushkegowuk Council believes that appointing a Cree-speaking Justice of the Peace for Mushkegowuk people will increase access to justice for accused persons from Mushkegowuk communities, and benefit these communities as a whole,

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mushkegowuk Council will request that the Ministry of the Attorney General of Ontario create a post for an Indigenous, Cree-speaking Justice-of­the-Peace for the Mushkegowuk territory.