Addressing systemic discrimination against Indigenous peoples in Canada’s justice system

The Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) welcomes the release of Canada’s first federal Indigenous Justice Strategy. This strategy, which was co-developed with First Nations, Métis and Inuit partners, is a key milestone in addressing systemic discrimination and the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the justice system.  

The Indigenous Justice Strategy is a long time coming. Indigenous peoples have been, and continue to be, massively overrepresented in Canada’s justice system because of colonialism and systemic discrimination, which needs to change. This strategy brings us one step closer to doing that.” – Mohammed Hashim, CEO, Canadian Race Relations Foundation. 

According to Statistics Canada, the incarceration rate for Indigenous people was 9 times higher than non-Indigenous people in 2020/2021. Further research from the Assembly of First Nations, has found that Indigenous people are twice as likely to experience challenges with the criminal justice system as non-Indigenous people. 

The Strategy is based on a distinctions-based approach, which acknowledges and respects the unique rights, interests, and circumstances of First Nations, Métis and Inuit and ensures that relationships and engagement with each distinct People results in specific approaches and outcomes. 

The CRRF looks forward to continuing to walk the path of reconciliation with collaboration, learning, accountability and support for Indigenous peoples against systemic anti-Indigenous racism in Canada.