FOR RELEASE
Thu., June 10, 2021
WHITEHORSE – The Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN) announced the creation of a Yukon First Nations Community Impact Statement (CIS) pilot project through funding provided by Yukon government’s Crime Prevention and Victim Services Trust fund.
Community Impact Statements are an important tool used by judges in sentencing, however very few have been submitted to Yukon Courts since this provision became available in 2015.
Central to the Yukon First Nations CIS pilot project is the gathering of statements from Yukon First Nations describing the harm or loss suffered by the community as a result of crime. The project recognizes the farreaching effects of crime and brings the various impacts that crime has on communities into focus. Community Impact Statements provide a voice to Yukon First Nations communities in the sentencing.
The project enables CYFN to develop a Yukon First Nations CIS program through the hiring of a dedicated staff position to gather statements from communities impacted by crimes. The project also allows for the creation of an advisory committee to oversee the project. This includes developing guidelines and criteria for Community Impact Statements within Yukon First Nations and applying best practices.
Quote:
The development and coordination of a formalized process for Yukon First Nations in preparing and submitting Community Impact Statements is addressing an existing gap. – CYFN Grand Chief Peter Johnston
Quick facts:
• The Canadian Victims Bill of Rights was enacted in 2015, creating clear rights for victims of crime, and requires said rights to be considered during each step of the criminal justice system. The Act provides
four principle rights to victims: Information, Protection, Participation and Restitution.
• The Yukon First Nations Community Impact Statement (CIS) pilot project is taking place from December 2020 through December 2021 and has submitted three Community Impact Statements to date.
• CYFN also administers the Gladue Report Writing Program.
• The Advisory Committee consists of representatives from Kwanlin Dün First Nation, Liard First Nation, Trondek Hwechin, Government of Canada, Yukon government and legal counsel.
For further information contact:
Lael Lund
Communications Manager
Council of Yukon First Nations
P: 867.393.9200 ext. 9223
C: 867.335.3227
cyfn.ca | communications@nullcyfn.net
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