Nishnawbe Aski Nation Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler has been named co-chairman of the Jury Review Implementation Committee.
The province’s attorney general made the announcement on Friday.
The committee was founded as a result of Frank Iacobucci’s independent review of the jury roll system and a lack of representation of First Nations people.
Fiddler said it’s important to have proper Aboriginal representation to ensure proper justice for his people.
“I will be pleased to assist with the next vital steps in this process,” said Fiddler, who holds the justice portfolio at NAN, in a release.
“I look forward to working with the ministry of the attorney general to ensure that the recommendations of Justice Iacobucci’s report are implemented in a way that truly addresses the crisis of First Nations in the justice system.”
Iacobucci began his investigation in August 2011 and released his report, First Nations Representation on Ontario Juries, this past February.
Fiddler will be working alongside assistant deputy attorney general Irwin Glasberg.
“NAN has fought for years to uncover the truth about the systematic exclusion of First Nations from the Ontario justice system,” Fiddler said.
“I look forward to working with the ministry of the attorney general to ensure that all First Nations can exercise their right to serve on juries and ensure that there is a path forward to achieving justice for First Nations.”
