The Development of an Aboriginal Criminal Justice System

Abstract

This paper focuses on the development of a comprehensive community-based Aboriginal criminal justice system in Elsipogtog New Brunswick, the apex of which has been its Healing to Wellness Court (HWC) which became operational in 2012. Initially the authoritative and policy context for Aboriginal Justice which facilitated this emergence is examined. Subsequently, the local Elsipogtog context, a decadelong struggle for social order is considered, primarily from the perspective of policing. The third section deals specifically with the emergence of the HWC, its special features and challenges for Aboriginal justice.