Law360 Canada (April 28, 2026, 3:29 PM EDT) -- Saskatchewan is giving millions of dollars to support restorative justice measures used by Indigenous communities.

According to an April 27 news release, the province is providing $17.2 million over the next four years to more than 20 First Nations, tribal councils and community-based organizations that deliver “alternative measures and extrajudicial sanctions programs.”

As for the breakdown, $4.3 million will be given annually over the next four fiscal years.

Alternative measures and extrajudicial sanctions programs involve a community approach to criminal justice, where offenders are given an opportunity to “take responsibility for their actions” and work to “repair harm to victims and communities,” states the release. The funding will ensure the programs “continue to deliver structured, accountable interventions for individuals referred by police, prosecutors or the courts.”

“Most referrals to these programs result in an agreement between the offender, victim or community representative to address the harm caused by offending behaviours and make reparations through processes such as compensation, restitution, counselling and community service,” it states.

According to a separate information page, alternative measures are for adults, while extrajudicial sanctions are for youth. The programs provide a chance for the accused, victims and their communities “to communicate about the causes and impacts of that crime, and to address their related needs.”

Offenders are provided an opportunity to stand accountable, while victims are empowered through their participation in the restorative justice process.

Common types of restorative justice include victim-offender mediation, in which the parties meet with a facilitator to address and fix the harms caused by the crime, and the formation of “circles,” where facilitators bring together “a variety of stakeholders,” including offenders, victims, family and community members.

Whether victims participate is ultimately up to them, but their involvement can include confronting the accused about the crime committed, settling on restitution and acquiring a deeper understanding of the offence.

According to Canada’s 2021 census, Indigenous people account for around 17 per cent of Saskatchewan’s population. (They account for five per cent of the country’s total population.)

Saskatchewan Justice Minister and Attorney General Tim McLeod said the programs “play a crucial role in strengthening community safety” through meaningful offender accountability.

“By continuing to invest in these long-standing initiatives, our government is supporting approaches that reduce reoffending, restore relationships, empower victims, address the root causes of harmful behaviour and create safer communities,” said McLeod in a statement.

Chief Mark Arcand of the Saskatoon Tribal Council said stable funding is “critical” to success.

“Investing in these programs helps tackle the root causes of crime while supporting people to make positive choices. The Saskatoon Tribal Council is committed to working alongside the province to build safer communities, prevent further victimization and keep our relatives out of the justice system.”

A request to Saskatchewan’s government for further details was not met by press time.

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