The Punky Lake Wilderness Camp Society played host to 30 groups from all corners of the province in this year’s Provincial Aboriginal Justice Strategy Conference.
Executive Director Sarah Jackman, says it was wonderful for everyone to able to get together for the 3-day conference which wrapped up in Williams Lake Thursday afternoon.
“To get together and be able to discuss openly and freely with people that understand exactly what you’re going through,what sort of challenges you face and maybe certain areas where you feel like you could use more support from either your funders or from other groups to just ask advice from, learn about best practices, and share your challenges.”
Jackman says aboriginal justice programs face a different set of challenges.
“A lot of times we’re dealing with a more rural setting which can be a bit of a challenge and there are specific differences between the cultures that have to be noticed and paid attention to, to make sure you’re effective.”
She says a lot of people have the misconception that restorative justice is the easy way out.
“When in fact a lot of the clients that we have talked to will tell you the exact opposite-that having to own up to what’s occurred and why you’ve done what you’ve done and face the victim that you’ve hurt is a lot more difficult than just standing in front of a judge and being told what your sentence will be. There’s a lot more accountability involved.”
About 96 registrants from all corners of the province as far as Telegraph Creek attended.