How are we working together?
From April 2025 through to February 2026, Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) and the Indigenous Justice Secretariat (IJS) completed further engagement with provincial partners, including the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, the Ministry of Children and Family Development, and the Ministry of Citizens’ Services, regarding the implementation of the Métis Justice Strategy (MJS), which aims to address the overrepresentation of Métis in the justice system and the harms they face within it. MNBC and IJS co-developed a detailed workplan and budget, in co-operation with included ministries. The next steps in the process include continued engagement with impacted areas of the provincial government, attaining approvals from MNBC and the Province, and seeking funding for implementation. The shared goal is to have the implementation plan approved by both MNBC and the Province in Q1 2026/27.
Are there challenges?
Funding for the implementation of the MJS is still being explored and is necessary to ensure MNBC can participate in both the continued development of the implementation plan, the actions required within, and further implementation of the MJS.
Highlights
Following endorsement of the MJS in June 2024, MNBC and IJS have co-developed a detailed implementation plan and budget to guide future implementation of the MJS. These documents were informed by further engagements with impacted ministries during the reporting period. The engagements allowed for further relationship building between the provincial government and MNBC and assisted in identifying priority opportunities of the MJS to advance.
Previous years’ progress
Highlights
The Métis Justice Strategy received provincial endorsement in June 2024. The Métis Justice Strategy was developed following community engagement with the then 38 Métis Chartered Communities. The Strategy seeks to address the overrepresentation of Métis people involved with and impacted by the justice system. The Indigenous Justice Secretariat and Métis Nation BC will be working with provincial partners to develop an implementation plan ahead of proceeding with implementation efforts.
How are we working together?
Métis Nation BC completed consultation with Métis people through their Chartered Communities on the development of the Métis Justice Strategy in 2019. Métis Nation BC and the Province engaged on an initial implementation workplan to assess what resources would be required to advance the Métis Justice Strategy. Further provincial engagement will be undertaken to support the development of the implementation workplan. Additional consultation will be completed as required during the implementation of each recommendation in the Métis Justice Strategy.
Are there challenges?
Funding for the implementation of the Métis Justice Strategy is still being explored and is necessary to ensure timely implementation.
Highlights
The Province and Métis Nation BC (MNBC) continued negotiations and engagement on the Métis Justice Strategy throughout 2023-24. The Province deferred making an endorsement decision in summer 2023 and continued engagement with MNBC through fall-winter 2023/24. The Province is now working towards endorsement of the Métis Justice Strategy during fiscal 2024/25.
How are we working together?
Métis Nation BC completed consultation with Métis people through their Chartered Communities on the development of the Métis Justice Strategy in 2019. Additional consultation will be completed as required during the implementation of each recommendation in the Métis Justice Strategy.
Are there challenges?
Financial constraints have limited MNBC’s capacity throughout engagement and negotiations. The Province continued engagement with MNBC through fall-winter 2023/24, which consisted of several series of engagements and negotiations to finalize the Métis Justice Strategy. The Province is now working towards endorsement of the Métis Justice Strategy during fiscal 2024/25.
Highlights
Over the past year, Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) and the Province worked collaboratively to advance the development of the Métis Justice Strategy (MJS) with the goal of having this strategy endorsed by both parties. The strategy is on a pathway to approval in 2023/24.
Indicators
- Policies/Reports developed: The final draft of the MJS has been developed and is pending endorsement.
- Implementation plan developed: The implementation workplan for the MJS has been developed and is pending endorsement.
How are we working together?
MNBC completed consultation with Métis Chartered Communities. The Province is nearing completion of internal consultation with impacted areas to develop an implementation workplan. The Province and MNBC meet regularly to work towards seeking endorsement.
Are there challenges?
This action item was identified as having no challenges at time of reporting. Further Annual Report updates may change this action’s challenge icon status indicator.