The Métis National Council (MNC) announced its support for Canada’s newly unveiled Indigenous Justice Strategy, a significant step forward in the pursuit of justice and equality for Indigenous peoples across the country.
In a statement from Métis National Council President, Victoria Pruden, the Métis National Council voiced its commitment to the strategy, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that Métis rights, culture, and communities are at the forefront of the justice reform process.
“The Métis Nation has long been advocating for a justice system that reflects our rights, heritage, and needs,” said President Victoria Pruden. “Canada’s Indigenous Justice Strategy is a vital step toward meaningful change. This strategy reflects our shared commitment to addressing the unique needs of Métis citizens and seeks to ensure our rights, cultures, and communities are respected within the justice system. By working together, we move closer to a future where justice is truly equitable, and the voices of the Métis Nation are heard and upheld. Implementation must be swift to immediately address the over-representation of Métis at all levels of Canada’s justice system and uphold self-determined Métis justice systems.”
The Indigenous Justice Strategy is designed to address the overrepresentation of Indigenous peoples in Canada’s justice system, focusing on culturally relevant and community-led solutions to prevent crime, support rehabilitation, and ensure fairness in the legal process.
As part of this strategy, the Métis National Council calls for the inclusion of Métis-specific programs, supports, and recognition within the broader framework to ensure that the unique needs of the Métis Nation are met.
The MNC’s support for the Indigenous Justice Strategy aligns with its ongoing work to advance Métis rights and self-determination, ensuring that Métis are treated with dignity, fairness, and respect in all areas of society, including the justice system.
-30-
Since 1983, the Métis National Council has been the national and international voice of the Métis Nation within Canada. Through national research and policy development, the MNC advocates to advance the rights and interests of Métis Governments, including the implementation of the Métis Nation’s inherent right to self-determination and self-government. The MNC is committed to accountability and transparency within its operations, and to its relationships with its Governing Members and other partners.