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Penticton pioneer in First Nations courtwork retires

One of the first Native Courtworkers in Canada was given a fond farewell at the Penticton Courthouse on Monday.
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Jack Kruger

One of the first Native Courtworkers in Canada was given a fond farewell at the Penticton Courthouse on Monday.

Jack Kruger was joined by judges, justices, lawyers, clerks, sheriffs and anyone who worked at the courthouse for a barbecue celebrating his retirement after 17 years as a Native Courtworker.

Kruger provided court-related services and counselling to Aboriginal clients entering the criminal justice system including referrals for restorative justice and alternative sentencing.

He was one of the first Native Courtworkers involved in the pilot project launched in 1974 to gauge whether the service was able to work alongside the justice system both practically and technically.

“They didn’t know if they were going ahead with it. We had a three-month window to determine whether or not the Native Courtworkers process would even work,” Kruger said.

After being part of the pilot project Kruger, who was born in Penticton and is a member of the Penticton Indian Band, remained a Native Courtworker for six years and was asked to come back after leaving. He remained in the position for another 11 years.

In that time Kruger has seen the position grow from a pilot project to a fully-fledged piece of the judicial system.

“I think there’s been progress in the acceptance of the position,” Kruger said.

In the outset, many legal questions came up pertaining to topics like the confidentiality of client information as well as letting a non-lawyer speak during court proceedings. Year’s later, the congratulatory handshakes from justices and judges prove that he was as interwoven in the judicial system as any other position .

“It feels awesome. My attachment is actually humbling. It really feels awesome that I was allowed to participate in the judicial system with the beautiful people I work with. It’s been a fast and fantastic lifestyle and I think it’s the most colourful lifestyle you could ever have,” Kruger said. “It’s never boring, it’s always interesting and it keeps you going. It’s a career, it’s not a job.”

The Native Courtworker and Counselling Association of B.C. is now 40 years old, and Kruger feels there is one key to anyone taking on the role in the future.

“My main philosophy to anyone who would have this position is honesty. If you’re honest with the judges ... the judge will turn around and listen to you,” Kruger said. “Honesty is the main key to working in this job, without it you fail.”