Community-Based Justice Programs - Nova Scotia

Mi'kmaq Customary Law Program

Recipient: Mi’kmaw Legal Support Network (MLSN)

The Mi’kmaw Legal Support Network operates the Mi’kmaq Customary Law Program, a pre- and post-charge diversion program that serves youths and adults in nine Mi’kmaq communities of Nova Scotia. Through the Program, the MLSN offers a culturally relevant community justice service that holds offenders accountable, offers reparations to victims, and meets the needs of Mi’kmaq community members.

The MLSN uses justice circles as a form of victim-offender mediation, along with a variety of dispositions, including community and victim service orders, apologies, donations to charities, counselling, writing an essay, thanking police, observing court ruling, and abstaining from alcohol. Cases are referred from police, probation services, community agencies, Crown attorneys, and members of the community.