Justice and Correctional Services

We work to shape services, programs and processes that honor and respect Cree ideals, values and ways.

The purpose of a justice system is to represent the people it serves, help create the conditions for safe communities and harmonious relationships, and ensure that fundamental justice rights and practices are protected.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to:

  • Provide quality services for Cree people in the Cree communities and judicial district of Abitibi.
  • Increase accessibility to the justice system.
  • Reduce crime and victimization in the Cree Nation.
  • Enhance community safety through a Cree global crime prevention strategy, and by partnering with key Cree entities.
  • Reinforce and promote traditional values in the Cree Nation to better deal with the root causes of our challenges and the negative impacts they produce.
  • Provide a more restorative (holistic) treatment of Cree people in detention facilities.

James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (1975) Section 18 - Administration of Justice for the Crees

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

Agreement concerning the Administration of Justice for the Crees (2007)

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.

Implementation of Agreements

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.

Justice News

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

Itinerant Court and Calendar

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

Upcoming events

04dec(dec 4)9:00 am06(dec 6)5:00 pmIndigenous People's JusticeReconciliation and Capacity Building View event page

Where

301 Queen Street, Mistissini, QC, Canada

Contact us

By phone

For a listing of the justice buildings found in each of the nine Cree communities with their address, phone and fax numbers or for contact information for our offices outside Eeyou Istchee, including the Val d’Or Regional Office of Correctional Services, see here.

To contact the head office of the department:

Tel : 418 923 2661


By email

Contact - Justice and Correctional Services