The Lethbridge Indigenous Court celebrated its grand opening this week. (Photo: Alberta Court of Justice)

By David Opinko

New Lethbridge Indigenous Court now officially open

Nov 12, 2025 | 10:29 AM

One of the courtrooms in Lethbridge has completed a new transformation.

Courtroom 7 now serves as the Lethbridge Indigenous Court, which held its official opening this week.

Established as part of the Alberta Court of Justice’s Indigenous Justice Strategy, it aims to provide a culturally relevant, restorative, and holistic system of justice for Indigenous individuals, including offenders, victims and the community affected by an offender’s actions.

James Hunter, Chief Justice of the Alberta Court of Justice, says this is a powerful step toward justice that heals.

He explains that the Indigenous Court is rooted in culture, respect, and reconciliation.

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“Reparative and restorative justice aren’t easy, it’s a path in which the individuals facing charges have to work to address the harms they’ve caused, as well as the life patterns that led them to cause that harm,” says Hunter. “Seeing someone complete this healing journey is incredibly moving, because you know that the justice system has just changed someone’s life for the better.”

Native Counselling Services of Alberta has been working with the judiciary, Elders, local First Nations and agencies to establish the Lethbridge Indigenous Court for a full year.

CEO Marlene Orr says that, without the focus on cultural healing by all parties, this milestone would not have been achieved.

“We remain committed to continuing to work in a collaborative, community-driven approach that leverages relationship in the process of moving from healing to wellness in the court,” says Orr.

The Lethbridge Indigenous Court is the fourth to be created in Alberta. Calgary established its own in 2019, and was followed by Edmonton and Saint Paul.