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Purpose:
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In 1998, the community of Ross River decided that restorative justice would provide an alternative to the present court system, which usually contributes to high incarceration rates for their community members and ineffective reintegration into the community. They developed the Dena Gude’ Guk’E; Kuk’Uts’Ets Program, which translates into “the people talk, everybody decides.” The Justice Committee, which addresses pre- and post-charge diversions, is made up of 17 committee members.
The goals of the program include: to provide an alternative to the present justice system through support and guidance; to establish community support for those involved in the justice system; to inform the community of Ross River on the functions of the Justice Committee; to involve Chief/Council and Landclaims in the Ross River Justice System; to involve the youth to take part in the Ross River Justice Committee and; to involve all resource people in the Ross River Justice Committee.
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