Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI Hosts Indigenous Justice Gathering

On October 18, 2024, more than 170 justice professionals gathered at the PEI Convention Centre in Charlottetown for the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI’s Indigenous Justice Gathering. The theme of the event focused on the unique systemic challenges faced by Indigenous women and girls in the criminal justice system.

Indigenous women represent fewer than 4% of women in Canada, yet they account for half of all women in federal prisons due to many factors including systemic racism, discrimination, and intergenerational trauma. The Indigenous Justice Gathering provided an opportunity to address challenges, create meaningful discussions, and encourage positive change across systems.

The gathering featured inspiring stories, lived experience, and first-hand information from those working tirelessly to create change within the justice system including Senator Kim Pate, Judge Laurel Halfpenny-MacQuarrie, and Dr. Pam Palmater of Eel River Bar First Nation. Their presentations emphasized urgent areas of focus including moving beyond symbolic reconciliation, addressing the systemic flaws that contribute to the over-criminalization of Indigenous people, and allowing Indigenous communities the control to shape their own justice systems with Elders at the center of healing plans.

Over 170 justice professionals attended the gathering including judges, crown prosecutors, lawyers, probation and correctional officers, mental health and addiction, social support, and clinical services professionals. Also in attendance were Elders, Circle Keepers, Senator Brian Francis, Chief Darlene Bernard, Kateri Coade, Executive Director of the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI, The Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General, and The Honourable Bloyce Thompson, PEI Minister of Justice and Public Safety, Attorney General and Deputy Premier.

An important part of the gathering was increasing cultural awareness and understanding. Knowledge Keeper, Julie Pellissier-Lush, opened and closed the event with special prayers, and Elder Judy Clark offered cultural teachings reflective of Mi’kmaq and Indigenous cultures. Participants also experienced traditional dancing and drumming performances by the Mi’kmaq Heritage Actors.

The Indigenous Justice Gathering was made possible through the continued leadership of the two First Nations in Epekwitk, with the support of the Government of Canada and the Province of Prince Edward Island.

To learn more about the Indigenous Justice Gathering and speakers, click here.

To learn more about the MCPEI’s Indigenous Justice Program, click here.

QUOTES

“The Indigenous Justice Gathering hosted by the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI brought attention to a deeply troubling reality – the gross overrepresentation of Indigenous women and girls in the criminal justice system. This situation isn’t just about statistics; it’s about the lives and futures of our families and communities. I am hopeful that this day will inspire attendees to actively challenge the root causes of this severe and persistent crisis and significantly improve the outcomes of our mothers, aunties, sisters, daughters, and friends before, during and after incarceration.”

  • The Honourable Brian Francis, Senator for Epekwitk

“Despite efforts to address systemic racism and misogyny in the criminal legal system, the overrepresentation of Indigenous women and girls remains an urgent and deeply personal issue for our people. We owe it to the caregivers of our communities – our mothers, daughters, sisters, grandmothers – to establish a justice system that respects and acknowledges our history. This gathering was an important step in encouraging real change and ensuring Indigenous voices lead the way towards a system that protects all.”

  • Chief Darlene Bernard, Lennox Island First Nation

“It is a humbling honour to be invited to Epekwitk to support the fantastic emancipatory work of the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI. In order to end the mass incarceration of Indigenous People – especially women and girls- we must provide family, community, social, economic and health supports as we work to decolonize, decriminalize and decarcerate.”

  • The Honourable Kim Pate, Senator for Ontario

“The Indigenous Justice Gathering is an important event, one our Government is pleased to support. We know that working with Mi’kmaq leaders on shared priorities will help advance Mi’kmaq self-determination and decision-making in areas of justice, policing and victim services. Together, we can build justice systems that are accessible and fair for all.”

  • The Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Government of Canada

“These forums are an incredibly important part of ensuring that both justice and community sectors can come together to listen and understand some of the challenges Indigenous populations face when involved in the formal justice system. It’s vital to ensure that conversations like these continue between government, First Nations, Indigenous people and law enforcement so that we can remain focused on addressing the systemic barriers that exist for Indigenous populations involved with the law.”

  • The Honourable Bloyce Thompson, PEI’s Deputy Premier and Minister of Justice and Public Safety

“Improving justice outcomes for Indigenous peoples requires support from all sectors,” said Kateri Coade, Executive Director, Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI. “We hope that by hosting this Indigenous Justice Gathering, participants will apply teachings learned from the incredible speakers and meaningfully engage with our programs and communities moving forward.” 

  • Kateri Coade, Executive Director of the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI