Constitutional Reform

The MN-S Métis Judiciary – A Judiciary Designed with Métis People

Help Shape the Métis Nation–Saskatchewan Métis Judiciary 

The Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN-S) was mandated by the Métis Nation Legislative Assembly (MNLA) in 2019 to create a justice system model rooted in Métis traditions and community involvement. Creating a strong and culturally grounded judiciary that reflects the values, traditions, and needs of the Métis people is vital step to MN-S’s path to self-government. A Métis-led judiciary will help resolve disputes fairly, restore relationships, and reflect our laws and traditions.

Through meaningful community consultations in 2022-2023, a clear message emerged calling for a justice system that is inclusive and respects Métis traditions. This led to the proposal of the MN-S Métis Judiciary. The MN-S Métis Judiciary will be independent, non-political, and based on the principle of kwayaskastasowin (Cree), meaning “working toward setting things right—restoring situations, people, and relationships onto a good path”. This is kwaayesh ashtaayaahk in Heritage Michif and in Dënë, Ëła nıdeł Ëła Ëghëdëleda há (Dënë) – meaning “gathering to work together”. Following the kwayaskastasowin principle, the Judiciary will use a process for resolving disputes that is based on restoring relationships, community building, and working together to address issues in ways that respect Métis values.  The proposed Métis judiciary system draws on traditional practices, community knowledge, and cutting-edge thinking on justice to repair relationships and resolve disputes in a good way.

Read the report now: Kwayaskastasowin – A Métis Judiciary Designed with Métis People

This report outlines a model for a proposed Métis judiciary system which draws on traditional practices, community knowledge, and cutting-edge thinking on restorative justice. The Métis Judiciary embraces Kwayaskastasowin—setting things right—and we want our laws to reflect this spirit.

The draft MN-S Métis Judiciary Act outlines the structure of the proposed Judiciary based on the final report and citizen engagement. It outlines the authority and responsibilities of the Judicial Committee and the Judicial Body. Drafting of this Act is ongoing based on consultations and feedback received to date.

MN–S Métis Judiciary Act Side by Side

MN-S is seeking citizen input to help shape how this judiciary is structured. Your feedback and ideas will help ensure that the Judiciary reflects the values, voices, and visions of our Métis.