Alberta announces new Healing to Wellness Court in St. Paul

The Government of Alberta has announced a Healing to Wellness Court in St. Paul– roughly 180 kilometres northeast of Edmonton.

The province says the court will allow Indigenous people in Alberta to have access to a responsive, culturally relevant justice system.

In addition, the Healing to Wellness Court will help connect the accused to their cultures and communities through a restorative justice approach, according to the province.

“This court supports the development of Indigenous Courts to meet the needs of local Indigenous communities. Reparative and restorative courts like this one help not only repair the past but also build a foundation for a more inclusive and just future, promoting lasting peace and understanding,” said James Hunter, Chief Justice of the Alberta Court of Justice.

“This Healing to Wellness Court is based on traditional Indigenous principles that have been successful elsewhere in the province but tailored to meet the needs of Indigenous peoples living in and around the St. Paul area.”

The province notes healing plans will be made using Indigenous community support agencies, which will work to reintegrating offenders into the community.

The support agencies will also work to encourage offenders to learn and reconnect with their heritage.

The province says once a healing plan is completed, a ceremony will be held, and the individual may have their charges withdrawn, or receive a sentence that is informed by their accomplishments while working to complete their healing plan.

The Alberta Court of Justice, with support from Alberta’s government, has developed a Healing to Wellness Court for St. Paul that will help connect accused people to their cultures and communities through a restorative justice approach, where appropriate. Alberta’s government is providing the necessary resources, which include a designated Crown prosecutor and two judicial clerks.

“Indigenous Healing to Wellness Courts were developed through consultation with the Elders and are based on a spiritual core of ancient Indigenous knowledge. The development of the Healing to Wellness Court focuses on identifying key elements of how we can use our traditional ceremonies and culture to reduce an Indigenous offender’s criminogenic behaviours,” said Ivan Ladouceur, Justice with the Alberta Court of Justice.

Rick Wilson, Minister of Indigenous Relations adds, “This is another step forward in our ongoing commitment to walking the path of reconciliation together with Indigenous communities. This new court will provide Indigenous people in the St. Paul area with an innovative and holistic program that is aligned with their beliefs, cultures and traditions. I am grateful for the Indigenous community members and support agencies helping with this important work.”

The province stresses court cases that involve public safety, such as offences involving sexual violence, homicide, aggravated assault and robbery, will not be heard in the Healing to Wellness Court.

The Healing to Wellness Court will sit on the second and fourth Friday of every month at the St. Paul courthouse.