The summary of literature in the above sections highlights the complexities of addressing Indigenous overrepresentation; to do so requires much more than just changes in sentencing principles. Programs and resources are needed in every stage of the criminal justice process to meaningfully implement Gladue principles: from courtworkers who prepare pre-sentence information for judges, to alternate sentencing processes that operate in accordance with Indigenous legal tradition, to community-based alternatives to incarceration both on reserves and in urban centres.
A number of initiatives aimed at alleviating Indigenous over incarceration exist across Canada, many of which are funded by the federal, provincial, and territorial governments. Governments also partner with NGOs — often Indigenous community organizations — to deliver services.
These initiatives include: the establishment of specialized Indigenous courts, the implementation of restorative justice based alternatives to incarceration, access to courtworkers, awareness training for the judiciary, Indigenous police programs, and culturally appropriate correctional programs. From their development to their implementation, these programs attempt to adapt to the needs and values of the Indigenous community for which they are intended.
While this section will not be an exhaustive list of existing initiatives, it will highlight and describe a number of programs that have been key to the implementation of Gladue principles.
Not all programs mentioned have been evaluated. Nonetheless, they are considered best practices because they reflect Gladue principles, whether they were established before or as a response to the addition of s.
