Feds fund cultural awareness teacher, community-based services to tackle high rates of Inuit in justice system – National Observer

January 20th 2023

Ottawa is providing $1.16 million to help the Nunatsiavut government address the overrepresentation of Inuit in Newfoundland and Labrador’s justice system.

The funding, announced by Justice Minister David Lametti on Thursday, will create an Inuit cultural awareness educator position, fund a family violence prevention program and provide money to expand access to needed community-based justice services.

Johannes Lampe, president of the Nunatsiavut government, says Labrador Inuit are targeted in the justice system, not just by police but as cases move through the courts.

Lawyers appointed by legal aid don’t understand the circumstances of Inuit in Labrador today, and there is no community-based help, he said. “It should not be that way.”

Read More: https://www.nationalobserver.com/2023/01/20/news/feds-fund-cultural-awareness-teacher-community-services-inuit-justice