Two members of the Native Council of P.E.I. have recently received Gladue training.
Chief and president Lisa Cooper, along with Aboriginal mental health and addictions co-ordinator Lynn Bradley completed certification in Gladue report writing through the Indigenous Perspectives Society, in partnership with Royal Roads University in British Columbia.
Gladue reports are personal histories submitted to courts on behalf of the Indigenous accused.
The name is taken from a 1999 Supreme Court decision finding that judges must take an Indigenous person’s background and history into account during sentencing.
Cooper said the training will benefit off-reserve members involved in the criminal justice system.
“It will provide recommendations to the court, including a court-to-community healing plan for individuals within our NCPEI community."
- Lisa Cooper
“It will provide recommendations to the court, including a court-to-community healing plan for individuals within our NCPEI community,” she said.
Bradley said she is also excited to be able to offer this important training.
“This is extremely important to all Indigenous community members who are facing a loss of liberty,” said Bradley.
“This gives us the opportunity to better assist them in their healing journey.”
The Native Council of P.E.I. represents and advocates for status, non-status, Inuit and Métis peoples residing off-reserve on traditional Mi’kmaq territory in P.E.I.