Media Release

November 23, 2024

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Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg, MB – Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) Inc. Grand Chief Garrison Settee today joined with Manitoba Justice Minister Matt Wiebe to recognize and announce the collaborative co-development of a new MKO Restorative Justice process as part of Manitoba’s Restorative Justice Week.

The Manitoba government has proclaimed Nov. 17 to 23 as Restorative Justice Week to highlight the accomplishments and progress of restorative justice practices in the province,

“Our new MKO Restorative Justice process addresses ticketed summary conviction offences of First Nation public safety laws enacted under the Indian Act.  This MKO Restorative Justice process is in addition to the existing Restorative Justice processes provided for under the federal Criminal Code and Youth Criminal Justice Act, which are both reflected in the provincial Restorative Justice Act,” said Grand Chief Settee.

“The MKO Restorative Justice process has been co-developed through an effective collaboration between MKO and MKO’s Key Partners including the Public Prosecution Service of Canada, Manitoba Justice, Manitoba Courts and Manitoba RCMP,” continued the MKO Grand Chief.

Manitoba Justice Minister Matt Wiebe said, “As part of our Public Safety Strategy, Manitoba is committed to being a leader in restorative justice. The new MKO Restorative Justice process for ticketed offences under First Nation laws is the first of its kind in Canada. Restorative justice offences are handled outside the traditional court process, with a focus on the needs of victims, offenders, and the involved community to achieve reconciliation with victims and the community at large, providing both accountability and healing.”

“Our government was pleased to proclaim the recent amendments to the Provincial Offences Act and regulations which allowed the MKO Restorative Justice process to be developed. I want to thank our partners for their hard work, as we take real action in reducing the overrepresentation of Indigenous peoples in the justice system.” the minister added.

“The MKO Restorative Justice process is a concrete measure intended to address the overrepresentation of Indigenous persons in the justice system while enhancing public safety,” Grand Chief Settee continued.

“It is the vision of the MKO First Nations and MKO that our First Nation communities are the safest and healthiest places for our citizens to live.  The collaborative development of the MKO Restorative Justice process supports the MKO Vision of a Whole of Government Response.  Working with Minister Wiebe and our Key Partners has been essential to take concrete steps forward – in real time – toward achieving the vision of public safety and well-being of the citizens of the MKO First Nations,” the MKO Grand Chief concluded

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For more information:

Naomi Clarke, Communications Officer

Email: [email protected]