The B.C. First Nations Justice Council has inaugurated an Indigenous Diversion Centre in downtown Prince George, B.C., providing Indigenous individuals facing minor criminal charges an alternative to the traditional justice system. This initiative marks a pioneering effort in Canada.
At a ceremony, council chair Kory Wilson and Prince George RCMP Supt. Darin Rappel signed an agreement to commence the program, allowing Indigenous offenders the opportunity to engage in a 90-day therapeutic plan. By committing to a prescribed set of activities, participants can have their charges dismissed.
The diversion center targets Indigenous individuals charged with non-violent offenses such as shoplifting, fraud, or mischief. Wilson emphasized the urgent need to address the disproportionate representation of Indigenous people in the criminal justice system and highlighted the program’s focus on addressing the underlying causes of offending through a supportive and culturally sensitive environment to facilitate healing and deter reoffending.
Contrary to misconceptions, Wilson clarified that the program is not a lenient measure but a challenging process that requires offenders to confront their actions before their elders, victims, and those they have harmed. Dealing with trauma and root issues contributing to their behavior poses additional challenges.
Statistics from B.C. Corrections reveal a significant overrepresentation of Indigenous individuals in provincial custody, with 36% self-identifying as Indigenous despite comprising only about 6% of B.C.’s adult population. Moreover, the Prince George Regional Correctional Centre is operating beyond capacity, with 63% of inmates identifying as Indigenous.
Marcel Gagnon, the center’s elder-in-residence from Lheldi T’enneh, highlighted the program’s potential to instill participants with a sense of belonging, worth, and connection. The initiative aims to address the root causes of crime for Indigenous offenders by offering support in housing, basic needs, and cultural reconnection.
Supt. Rappel expressed optimism about the program’s impact on policing in Prince George and its potential to disrupt the cycle of reoffending by addressing socio-economic, mental health, and addiction challenges often overlooked in the conventional justice system. The diversion center also aims to assist Indigenous individuals reintegrating into the community post-incarceration.