By Rebecca Dyok, The Williams Lake Tribune, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Elks Hall will be home to the new Indigenous court in Williams Lake.

Opening Williams Lake Indigenous Court

Elders who will be part of the specialized court gathered at the hall downtown early Monday morning (Nov. 9) for training in anticipation of the court’s first sitting.

Yeqox Nilin Justice Society executive director Samantha-Jo Dick said the training was for the 10 elders to hone their skills.

Two elders from the Indigenous court in Kamloops, which remains operational, also attended to provide insight on how they have dealt with COVID-19.

A soft opening is anticipated to be held Friday, Dec. 11 at the Elks Hall and be broadcast online.

The seventh in BC

The Indigenous court in Williams Lake will be B.C.’s seventh such court. It was initially scheduled to open in spring 2020 at the Williams Lake courthouse but was disrupted by the global health crisis.

“By coming and telling their story to the elders in the court, I believe that a good healing plan could be made to go forward,” said Dave Dickson, who retired last year as the city’s manager of community safety.

“If we can get a healthy community, we can reduce crime in our community.”