Indigenous Bail & Supervision Program

In 2017 Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services Corporation began offering its Indigenous Bail Program. Indigenous Bail Workers help create release plans by locating potential sureties, finding appropriate addresses, and providing verified information to court officials. The program  offers Bail Supervision Services, Supervision supports accused persons who do not have the financial means or social ties to be released pending trial. The program ensures that clients are supervised in the community such that they attend their court dates, comply with their conditions of release and have assistance to navigate the criminal court process.

The IBVS Program follow a holistic guided criteria:

• Indigenous Traditions, Practices and World Views
• Presumption of Innocence
• Strengths of the Client
• Connection to Community
• Roles and Responsibilities
• Unique Barriers Faced by Indigenous Peoples
• Effects of Discrimination
• Prejudice and the Legacy of Colonialism and Displacement

Created in 2018, Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services Corporation’s Community Release and Reintegration Program provides a wide range of services to the Nishnawbe-Aski Nation Communities.

The three main services include:

1. Bail

Assists individuals to obtain reasonable bail promptly.  The program seeks to reduce the number of community members on remand in jails and alleviate the burden placed on families and communities due to displacement by the criminal justice system.

2. Reintegration

Supports adults departing detention centers to ensure a cohesive return home. The program’s aim is to create positive, supportive and sustainable returns with connections to mentorship, employment, housing, social and mental health programming.

3. National-Based Justice Supports

Acts as an in-community connection to justice services. Staff participate in inclusive justice dialogue, connect with other NALSC departments, and offer prevention, intervention and land-based activities.