Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs

Comité permanent des affaires autochtones et du Nord

For immediate release

Ottawa, June 16, 2021 -

Today, Mr. Bob Bratina, Member of Parliament for Hamilton East—Stoney Creek and Chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs, was pleased to table the committee’s report, “Collaborative Approaches to Enforcement of Laws in Indigenous Communities.” The witnesses painted a compelling picture of the issues First Nations communities face in having their laws and by-laws enforced on their lands.

Over the course of five meetings, the committee heard from First Nations leaders, law enforcement, legal experts and relevant federal departments. Witnesses pointed to enforcement of laws as key to self-determination.

The committee heard that many factors contribute to enforcement challenges on First Nations lands. A central problem is that addressing the issue involves different levels of government, various federal departments and multiple police forces. Also key to improving enforcement is funding, including for restorative justice programs in communities. Respectful, trusting relationships with law enforcement need to be built in many communities. Part of that process involves cultural sensitivity and cultural safety training for officers.

In its unanimous report, the committee recommends creating a permanent federal advisor on the enforcement of First Nations laws and by-laws. Other recommendations include the need to increase the number of Indigenous law enforcement officers as well as support and fund restorative justice and community safety programs. The committee thanks and is grateful to all those who took the time to share their experiences in the hopes of moving this issue forward.

This report can be viewed online on the committee’s website.