Court-ordered community hours go towards healing in Indigenous-led justice efforts in Montreal – CBC

Jan 19, 2023

Mohawk-Cree teepee space helping give Indigenous ex-detainees culture and healing

Indigenous people involved with the justice system in the Montreal area — whether they spend time in jail or not — may increasingly be able to carry out court-ordered community service hours doing cultural and healing activities instead of labour.

Last fall, two Indigenous men were able to fulfil their community hours by going on a moose hunt and learning how to butcher and prepare the meat in Kahnawake, Que., with the help of elders and Indigenous justice support workers.

“Right now in Quebec, there’s no followup, no aftercare to guide the person … making sure he’s getting the care that he needs, like treatment, anger management … to make sure he’s on track so he doesn’t re-offend,” said Bobby Patton, who is a Mohawk support worker with Native Para-Judicial Services of Quebec (NPJSQ).

Read More: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/mohawk-cree-teepee-justice-healing-kahnawake-1.6717817