'Imperative' that axed court workers return to Watson Lake, says chief

Victims of crime may not be getting the help they need in Watson Lake, say advocates, after a program forcourt workers was cut.

Yukon's Department of Justice says it's trying to organize for the programs to return, but so far there's no guarantee.

TheLiardFirst Nation'scommunity justice worker and Indigenous court workerprograms were cut last year. They funded two full-time workers and a part-time worker in Watson Lake.

The laid off Indigenous court workers used to help clients apply for legal aid, to understand charges brought against themand to prepare victim impact statements. They also helped young people through the court processamong other services.

The program was funded both through territorial and federal funding. It's demise seems to be the result of cost-cutting from the First Nation's federally-appointed, third-party manager.

3rd party manager diverts funding to pay debts

TheLiardFirst Nation has been under third-party management since 2014.

Since then, a federally-appointed, Aboriginal consulting company calledGanhadahas diverted federal funding from community programs towards payingthe First Nation'sdebts as well as its own staff.

The cuts are supposed to affect 'non-essential' services.

The justice department's spokesperson Nicole Benson said the territorial government was unable to reach a funding agreement withGanhadaand so the justice program was dropped.

"The Government of Yukon did not cancel the community justice worker and Indigenous court worker programs. However, renewing the agreements became difficult because theLiardFirst Nation continues to be under third party management," she wrotein anemailresponse.

Alan Lucier,Yukon's assistant deputy minister of justice,agrees the court workersserved a need in the community, saying the programs are "valuable to the First Nation and the community at large."

Lucier, who's responsible for community justice and public safety,said the government is trying to negotiate a newfunding agreement.

A new approach would see theLiardAboriginal Women's Society brought in as a partner for the first time.

Both Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada and the third-party manager,Ganhada, have a policy not to grantmedia interviews.

First Nation chief decries cuts

TheLiardFirst Nation's new chief George Morgan saidcutting court support workers is unacceptable.

"First Nations people come into contact with the justice system at six times the national average," Morgansaid.

LiardFirst Nation members cannot access other First Nations' programs likethose provided by the Council of Yukon First Nations.

The federal Department of Justice saysIndigenouscourtworkerprograms are availablein more than 450 Canadian communities.

The program exists inevery province and territory except for P.E.I., Newfoundland and Labrador and New Brunswick.

• Millions unaccounted for as Liard First Nation's new council looks to sort out finances