Governments launch probe into Native justice

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The federal and provincial governments have launched a $1-million campaign to help Alberta Native leaders determine the impact of the criminal justice system on Indian and Metis people in Alberta.

A task force has been established to study why a disproportionate number of

Natives are in Alberta jails and to provide alternatives for dealing with Natives involved in the criminal justice system.

Indian Association of Alberta (IAA) president Roy Louis said the joint initiative will be more than a forum to air complaints.

"We know what the questions are and what problems exist. The task force is about answers. What are we doing right? What are we going to do about what isn't?" he said during a news conference in Edmonton Jan.12.

The task force is a combined effort by the province's Solicitor General department, Indian Affairs, the Metis Association of Alberta and the IAA.

"This is a very historic occasion. We should be proud, even celebrate," Louis said.

The seven-member task force, headed by Alberta Court of Queen's Bench Justice Robert Cawsey, will be reviewing the 1978 Kirby report on Natives and the justice system.

It will be touring the province to listen to Native groups about the impact of the justice system on Native culture.

"It's not an easy task," said Alberta Solicitor General Dick Fowler, "(But) we believe the system can be adjustable."

He said there's a definite need to determine why 30 per cent of Alberta's prison population is Native while Aboriginal people make up only 4.4 of the total population of the province.

Metis Association president Larry Desmeules said he's not expecting miracles but believes the probe will help the federal and provincial government understand the ways of his people.

"It's not a cure-all," he said, but it is a "major step forward."

Indian Affairs Minister Pierre Cadieux said he recognizes the "urgency" in holding the investigation and said he is optimistic Native concerns will be addressed.

The task force is due to release its report by Dec.1, 1990.

A schedule for public hearings is not yet available.