Monday, May 27, 2002

Commission on First Nations and Métis Peoples and Justice reform to Release Interim Report

SASKATOON – The Commission on First Nations and Métis Peoples and Justice Reform will release its interim report on Thursday, May 30.

Chair Willie Littlechild, says the report will provide an update on the activities of the five-person Commission since its formation in November of 2001.

"Although it is still very early in the process, the Commissioners have been able to identify a number of themes," Mr. Littlechild said. "Individuals and organizations have been very helpful in identifying areas that we need to examine over the next two years. We know there is a great deal of work to be done before First Nations and Métis people have an increased level of confidence in the justice system."

Littlechild says the document – the first in a series of regular progress reports that will be produced every six months – reflects the Commission’s desire to make the process as accessible and comfortable as possible for Saskatchewan people who wish to make presentations to the Justice Reform Commission.

"This report provides some insight into the discussions that arose during our first dialogues earlier this year and it will also help people to understand how the process works and how they can become involved," added Littlechild.

The interim report will be released on Thursday, May 30 at a news conference to be held at 10:00 a.m. in the board room in the office of the Commission on First Nations and Métis Peoples and Justice Reform, 802 – 119 Fourth Avenue South, Saskatoon.

For Further Information Contact:

Warren Goulding
Director of Communications
Commission on First Nations and Métis Peoples and Justice Reform
(306) 964-1212
or (306) 227-4350