The Department, when requested by the court, produces a Gladue report along with recommendations. Although they are labor intensive to produce, the reports are an invaluable contribution to the legal process previously missing. It leads to greater awareness of issues past and present facing Indigenous Peoples. It also starts the dialogue with local support services and organizations that will be necessary for the healing of the harm caused.
The Cree Gladue report writing process is administered by the Cree Nation itself. This year, we will expand upon the services offered to add Gladue letters into the process. These letters are like the reports but less comprehensive as a result of the level of offence they may address.
Who are the Gladue writers?
A Gladue Writer works to gather the offender’s Sacred Story (background story and unique circumstances).
They are individuals who believe Crees should receive restorative justice and the wish to contribute to the administration of justice.
Typically, Gladue writers are 18 years and over and have completed their secondary 5. They are empathetic and professional. Since the writers need to travel to collect an offender’s Sacred Story, they need to enjoy meeting people, conducting interviews and writing reports using a computer.
The Gladue writers have good organizational skills, are reliable and independent. Although being fluent in Cree is not an obligation, they must successfully pass a Criminal Record Check.
To become a Gladue writer, contact at any moment our Justice Projects Officers.