Williams Lake Courthouse (Image Credit: Cailin Cousins)
Indigenous Court

Indigenous court opens in Williams Lake

Dec 11, 2020 | 2:22 PM

WILLIAMS LAKE, B.C. — A new court has opened in Williams Lake that is meant to provide a restorative and holistic system of justice for Indigenous people.

The Tsilhqot’in Nation says the court will be grounded in cultural traditions and will focus on healing and balance for the accused.

WATCH: (Video Credit: Facebook / Yeqox Nilin Justice Society)

National tribal chairman Chief Joe Alphonse says the court marks a significant step forward as their people continue to be negatively impacted by long-standing racism that exists in the justice system.

The nation says Indigenous people are over-represented in the courts and the establishment of the Indigenous court provides a system that is grounded in traditional teachings and knowledge.