Native Council program aiming to keep Indigenous youth out of justice system – CBC

‘A lot of them suffer from residential schools, childhood trauma, intergenerational trauma’

Aug 05, 2020

A new program is aiming to connect off-reserve Indigenous youth who are in conflict with the law with their traditional teachings in hopes of keeping them out of the justice system.

The Native Council of P.E.I.’s “Coming Full Circle” program is voluntary. It targets youth between the ages of 11 and 18.

It’s a form of alternative justice the Native Council and its partners hope will allow Indigenous youth to heal and connect with their culture.

Lisa Cooper, chief of Native Council of P.E.I., said through traditional teachings like the Medicine Wheel, Indigenous youth will learn to develop the traditional and cultural tools they need to live a balanced, traditional and healthier lifestyle. She hopes that will also reduce the likelihood of them re-offending.

Read More: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-indigenous-native-council-youth-crime-healing-1.5674427