b'JUSTICEA Global PandemicWILL NOT STOPOur Work to Address Systemic RacismT ackling systemic racism in Canada has been one of theways in which First Nations could be included in any legislative top priorities this year within the Assembly of Firstchanges. For example, the introduction of Bill C-3 in January Nations (AFN) Legal and Justice Sector. Following2020 proposed various changes to the Civilian Review and multiple occurrences involving the use of excessiveComplaints Commission (CRCC), which keeps an eye on the force against First Nations peoples, AFN is advocating for severalactions of the RCMP. AFN found that additional changes could institutional reforms to address systemic racism. AFN has beenbe made to increase the authority of the CRCC to carry out more actively working towards fostering justice and reconciliation inextensive investigations into allegations of excessive force or First Nations communities and throughout Canada by: unprofessional behavior. In addition, AFN advocated for the end advocating for increased jurisdiction to police our own Nations,of profiling practices based on racial, religious or ethnic grounds.the RCMP, and The Legal and Justice Sector will continue to push for such pushing for more oversight ofchanges well into the new year and foreseeable future.creating social supports for First Nations who have experienced racism and discrimination in Canadian systemsThe Legal and Justice Sector has also been working in other and institutions. areas to address systemic discrimination. For example, in In July 2020, AFN was involved in the House of CommonsSeptember 2019, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal found Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Securitysthat Canada discriminated against First Nations children and study on racism within Canadian police forces. During thiscaregivers within the child welfare system while living on-meeting, British Columbia Regional Chief Terry Teegee spokereserve or in the Yukon. AFN was a main party to the case and about numerous instances of racism against First Nationscontinues to advocate for First Nations children and caretakers Peoples by the RCMP and submitted AFNs recommendationswho were affected by this discrimination to ensure they receive for change. The top recommendation included acceleratingthe proper support. Addressing these issues is very important to the implementation of the 231 Calls to Justice of the NationalAFN, especially if they affect First Nations youth.Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit people. AFN also advocated for the creationAFN has been working to meet the challenges that First Nations of a legislative framework in which Canada and AFN couldpeoples and communities face every day. We will continue to push establish alternative models of policing within First Nationsfor change in Canadas law enforcement agencies as we advocate communities. These changes would ensure jurisdiction over ourfor self-determined policing on reserves and additional civilian own lands and peoples, based on our own legal orders and ouroversight throughout the country. It has been a truly challenging own understandings of justice. year for most, especially as we navigate through COVID-19. As the need for civilian oversight within the RCMP and CanadaHowever, as recent events have shown, tackling discrimination Border Services Agency entered the public eye, AFN studied theand racism requires our attention in any circumstance.64 The Circle Winter Issue 1 2020'