PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Our organization offers programs and services that address the justice-related needs of Indigenous peoples, providing not only legal support but also a holistic approach that contributes to the goals of their wellness plans. We work closely with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community partners to offer cultural programs, sharing circles, land-based activities, and workshops. Discover more below!

Everytime I come here, I feel like I make progress and become better.

TRANSITION CLIENT

This program seeks to create alternative forms of justice that are accessible to Indigenous community members residing in Montreal. Our Restorative Justice program provides community-led approaches for individuals involved in conflict or who have caused harm. This means that Indigenous individuals accused of

crime at the municipal court of Montreal or the Palais de Justice de Montreal may be eligible for diversion. The General Alternative Measures Program (GAMP) for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis offers pathways that reduce the risk of further criminalization and/or incarceration.

The Transition Program assists Indigenous community members who are preparing to exit incarceration or recently released. We provide connections to numerous services that assist individuals as they transition to residing in Montreal. Once referred to our center, individuals have access to culturally-adapted in-person supports, group programming and referrals to services for housing, employment, healthcare, access to Elders as well as cultural activities.

This program also includes Section 84s and day-programming for incarcerated individuals (ETA/UTA). Our transition services have a positive impact on the success rate of Indigenous peoples reconnecting with the community. Through our work, we strive to contribute to preventing recidivism by focusing on wellness and healing.

Our Reintegration services primary objective is to maintain stability for individuals who have exited the justice system through housing and offering life skills development. Indigenous community members may be eligible to receive a housing subsidy while they get on their feet post-incarceration.

These services also allow for creativity and cultural safety with the goal of supporting individuals who have compensatory, community work hours or court related measures to complete. If a community member has tickets and are not sure how to deal with them or an order from the court to do community hours, they can reach out to the Justice Center with any questions.

Gladue reports and letters provide insight about an Indigenous person’s social and community history, family as well as challenges. These reports can be requested by the court when an individual has been found guilty of a crime and you are facing a certain period of detention time. The Gladue writer prepares the report through  interviewing the person accused, their family members and ressources to

provide the Judge, Crown and Defense attorney background information for sentencing recommendations. Often, Gladue reports can help with alternatives to incarceration. If a community member’s report is written through the Justice Center, they can also access aftercare support as the process can be difficult to experience.

The Justice Center’s Victim Services Coordinator can assist community members with their needs if they’ve been in a harmful situation. Individuals don’t have to be involved in a court process as a victim to receive services. Services include one-on-one support, safety plans, referrals, access to Elder Services, accompaniments and support going through the health or  court system.

Programming is also available for anyone who seeks healing through cultural and traditional measures, such as sharing circles, land-based activities and healing retreats.

The Justice Center facilitates a number of activities and events promoting culture and healing within the community. Examples of workshops and programming include weekly Men’s Circle with Elder Delbert, weekly crafting with Elder Jean, and land-based activities.

By accessing Justice Center programs, community members can receive support from an Elder, our Knowledge Keeper or other types of healing focused assistance. 

Contact us!

3500 avenue Laval
Montréal/Tiohtià:ke (Québec)
H2X 3C8

T: 514-840-9485

info@justicemontreal.ca