Justice and Correctional Services

In 1975, the JBNQA was signed. In Section 18, provisions may be found for the following issues:

• The Administration of Justice for the Cree
• The operation of the courts in the judicial district incorporating Cree values, ways of life and beliefs
• The creation of a Cree Quebec Judicial Advisory Committee to make recommendations on budgets, facilities, services and programs, and research
• Greater participation of Cree throughout the system, including as justices of the peace
• Facilities, programs and services in both the justice and corrections systems

In 2002, the New Relationship Agreement with Quebec paved the way for further implementation of the JBNQA provisions including those related to the Administration of Justice. In 2007, a new Agreement on Justice with Quebec was reached in order to more fully implement the provisions of Section 18 of the JBNQA. This allowed for the Department with the Judicial Advisory Committee to look into the area of crime prevention to reduce overall criminal activity, provide for earlier interventions, and create protocols for diversion programs. With funding from this Agreement, the Department of Justice and Correctional Services was established in 2008.

The Department works closely with the Judicial Advisory Committee, Ministry of Justice Quebec, Ministry of Public Security of Quebec, Correctional Services Canada, Cree Health Board, Cree School Board, and many other stakeholders to implement the provisions of the agreements related to justice. The Department started with building justice facilities in the Cree Communities. Staff were engaged in each community to assist in the implementation of programs and services related to justice, corrections and prevention. Staff were also engaged to work in provincial and federal detention facilities. The Department has also engaged in building women’s shelters and a youth detention facility.

For news on community justice matters, events and symposiums, or departmental accomplishments, including hosting of delegations, facility openings, launching new programs or services, community dialogues, new partnerships, and more.

Justice Department News

The Cree communities of Eeyou-Istchee receive itinerant court services within the Abitibi judicial district of Quebec. Itinerant courts can hear cases under the Court of Quebec including Criminal and Penal Division, Civil Division, Youth Division and Small Claims. Cree communities can host cases under the Quebec Superior Court including for civil, family and criminal matters. The Cree Justice system and facilities are equipped with video conferencing technologies and favor circular courtrooms to represent the Cree value that justice is about community and is an inclusive process.

Itinerant court schedule

Itinerant court calendar