Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Simpson (Aug 17/01) - Mapping out a way to co-operate and helping the public understand their roles was what brought several Fort Simpson justice officials together last week.

"What we really want to do is work together and compliment each other," said Pat Waugh, regional justice coordinator.

They already agree on one thing -- the worthiness of justice committees. Sarah Overington, acting co-ordinator of the Fort Simpson justice committee, said she saw the gross inadequacies of the criminal system while working as a lawyer over the past few years.

"I've seen that it's not terribly functional. It doesn't get at the whole issue. That's what the (justice) committee is all about ... it's more about the solution, not the crime," said Overington.

The justice committee relies on long-time members of a community who know their neighbours well, Waugh explained. After an offence is committed, they gather to hear out the offender and the victim, and then recommend an appropriate way of making amends, hoping to restore harmony and avoid "big grudges."

"The job is to make them leave as friends again," she said. "I believe in it 110 per cent. I think it's definitely the way to go. A lot of (offenders) come out of it making changes."

The recommendations can range from writing a letter of apology, to making restitution, to performing tasks for the victim or in the community.

The committee, which has existed since 1995 in Fort Simpson, has dealt with well over 100 cases, but there have only been a few re-offenders, according to Waugh.

The RCMP refer cases to the justice committee, and if it doesn't work, the offender will still have to face the court system, she noted.

"You've really got nothing to lose," she reasoned. "You're reaching out to people."

Const. Glen Demmon concurred.

"It's making people responsible for their communities," he said. "I always tell (the committee), 'Be creative. What can you do to be effective?'"

Waugh added that the committee is always in need of new members, particularly youths and elders. She is also trying to help establish similar committees in other Deh Cho communities.