Elders in Courthouse: Supporting Justice System

0:00Coat First Nation in Saskatchewan launched a program called Elders in the Core House three months ago, right in Kamsack. Every Tuesday, Elders head to the Royal Legion Hall for Circuit Court, offering support to both offenders and victims with cultural ceremonies. One-on-one talks and that grandparent kind of love to help folks navigate the justice system. This initiative came together through a partnership with the Yorkton Tribal Council and Kamsack RCMP. For Elders, two women and two men got mediation training and criminal record checks so they could be the welcoming faces whether someone needs. Smudging, prayers in Salto, or just guidance on what's next in court. Community members like 20-year-old Rory Cote who moved back home a year ago say it's grounding them in their culture and making them feel secure. Cory Codote, the cultural director, remembers being 14 and alone in court, wishing for this kind of backup back then to change his path. One elder, Vincent Codote, points out many folks are illiterate or just want court over with so he listens, directs them to resources and reminds everyone.

1:08These are family and band members who need help, not just criminals. Three months in, the program's going permanent and surrounding First Nations are eyeing it to bring the same support to their people, building. Bridges in the justice system won elder at a time. That's the story for today. Calgary News Today, Driven by AI.