The Saskatchewan government says it will spend $48 million (Canadian) to implement recommendations of the Commission on First Nations and M�tis Peoples and Justice Reform.

In June 2004, the commission released a report [PDF] that made 120 recommendation aimed at ensuring Native people are treated fairly in the justice system and have confidence in the system. Provincial officials plan to carry out many of the proposals and say they will hire more Native police officers, spend more money on Native law enforcement, educate the public about racism and create a domestic violence court and a drug court.

Although Natives make up 14 percent of the population in Saskatchewan, one of the highest in Canada, they have long complained about discrimination in the justice system. Several Native men's deaths have been linked to police officers.

Get the Story:
Gov't to hire more aboriginal cops, court staff (CBC 5/12)

Relevant Links:
Saskatchewan Commission on First Nations and M�tis Peoples and Justice Reform - http://www.justicereformcomm.sk.ca

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