Goals

To restore a greater degree of responsibility by the Indigenous community within the City of Thunder Bay for the conduct of  Indigenous people in conflict with the justice system.

To encourage offenders to accept responsibility for their criminal behaviour and to be accountable for their own conduct by becoming active in rectifying the wrong they have caused.

To demonstrate that the Indigenous Community Council Program can reduce the rate at which Indigenous participants in the program re-offend in comparison to the rate at which Indigenous people re-offend after being convicted and sentenced in the regular court system.

Client Eligibility

Applications are received from youth (12 – 17 years) and adults charged with criminal offences or certain Provincial Offences such as the Liquor License Act and Trespass to Property Act and who normally reside within the City of Thunder Bay.

Offences Generally Eligible for Diversion:
(If you are not sure if your charge(s) meet the criteria, please do not hesitate to call)

  • Property Offences (Theft, mischief to property, joy riding etc.)
  • Fraud (food\taxi).
  • Assault.
  • Certain Administration of Justice offences (Breach of Probation and Fail to comply or appear in court/fingerprinting).

Certain offences are never eligible for diversion such as offences involving serious personal violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and Criminal Code driving offences such as impaired driving, etc.

A person applying for diversion must assume responsibility for their role related to the charge(s).
Must participate in an interview with Caseworker.
Must be willing to identify outstanding issues and prepared to work on healing and repairing harm caused.

Applications for diversion are make through any of the Indigenous Courtworkers.

Diversion to the program are considered in consultation with the Crown Attorney and the Justice Services Manager based on fact pertaining to:

  • Circumstances of the offence.
  • Background of the offender.
  • Views of the victim… victim(s) are encouraged to participate in the Circle/Hearing.

Contact the Aboriginal Community Council Program

Indigenous Community Council Program (CCP) Volunteer :

One of the strongest components of the diversion program are the Council Members (volunteers). The role of CMs are to hear the accused’s story; what brought them to where they are today; assist in identifying their needs; and provide suggestions in the development of a Healing Plan. What this looks like is unique to each participant.

Why volunteer?

  • Promotes our culture/ceremony
  • It feels good to help someone
  • You can make real lasting differences in someone’s life
  • Help to gain additional experiences
  • Opportunity to step outside your comfort zone
  • Meet new people
  • Learn from each other

Criteria for Council Member*

  • Must identify as being of Indigenous heritage
  • Understanding of the impact of addictions
  • Knowledge of issues experienced by Indigenous people
  • Understanding of the judicial system
  • Awareness of the LGBTQ TS community
  • Commitment to participate in an average of 10 circles per year.
  • Must be over the age of 18
  • Must provide a CPIC (letter is provided & costs are covered by the program or reimbursed)
  • *Individually Council members are not expected to meet all criteria, however, together all criteria can be met.

 

  • The information in this form will help us to process your application as a Council Member. All responses are strictly voluntary and will be kept strictly confidential. CCP Volunteer Application:

  • (e.g. Training/experience working with people in FASD, addictions, grief/loss, mental health)

  • I make this application acknowledging I am prepared and committed to volunteering for the Indigenous Community Council Program

Documents