TORONTO, Sept. 27, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today marks the launch of the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centers (OFIFC). Restoration of Indigenous Humanity, a new podcast series addressing the challenges faced by the majority of Indigenous people when interacting with Canada’s justice system. The six-episode, community-run series features OFIFC and four friendship centers from across the province: Toronto Council Fire, Nogojiwanong Friendship Center (Peterborough), Brantford Regional Indigenous Support Center and United Native Friendship Center (Fort Frances). The justice-focused podcast also features perspectives from OFIFC President and Executive Director of the Fort Erie Native Friendship Center, Jennifer Dockstader.

The purpose of the podcast is to address systemic injustices that require accountability, as well as creating and yet needing solutions. It covers a range of topics including: advocacy and support for women moving through the justice system, failure to protect victims of intimate partner violence, personal experiences of the justice system, bail and its impact on victims, shelters for victims of domestic violence Violence, the experience of 2SLGBTQ+ in interacting with mainstream binary justice processes, the lack of access to court services in remote areas, and the variety of support programs offered in friendship centers and in communities.

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“The criminal justice system isn’t working for our people and that needs to change,” said Jennifer Dockstader, president of the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres. “It is critical that Ontario residents and the legal community at large understand the complex nature of what Indigenous peoples experience in dealing with the justice system. This podcast helps us share these important perspectives on our traditional way of oral storytelling to a wider audience.”

“Our community continues to grapple with the loss of one of our beloved members, Cileana-ban Taylor, and the lack of justice she and her family have experienced. The …