VATJSS-Vancouver

VATJSS-Vancouver VATJSS is the first and only justice program to serve the diverse Indigenous community of the Metro-Vancouver area.

Vancouver Aboriginal Transformative Justice Service Society (VATJSS) is a non-profit agency that provides services in crime prevention, diversion and interception for the Urban Indigenous community in Metro Vancouver. VATJSS Background

Vancouver Aboriginal Transformative Justice Services Society (VATJSS) program embraces traditional Indigenous justice concepts which focus on rehabilitation and healing, rather than isolation and punishment. It has been recognized by the British Columbia Ministry of Attorney General’s office and Federal Department of Justice as an authorized diversion program since April 28, 2000. VATJSS is an initiative borne of the need to address the disproportionate number of Indigenous people in the criminal justice system and the inability of the current system to meet the needs of Indigenous people in conflict with the Canadian laws and victims. VATJSS blends the concepts of Indigenous protocols and community development.

10/06/2026
10/03/2026

VPD News Release | High-risk s*x offender Skylar Pelletier to reside in Vancouver

Vancouver Police are warning the public that a convicted s*x offender, Skylar Wayne Pelletier, will be residing in Vancouver and poses a significant risk to women in the community.

Pelletier has historical convictions of s*xual assault, commit s*x assault, break and enter and assault.

Pelletier is Indigenous, 6’1”, tall (188cm), weighs 180 lbs. (82 kg) with a medium build. Pelletier has short black hair and brown eyes.

While living in the community Pelletier will be monitored by Vancouver Community Corrections and must comply with the following conditions:

• Not to contact any victims
• Not to consume drugs or alcohol
• Abide by a curfew from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
• Not to possess knives

Anyone who witnesses Skylar Wayne Pelletier in violation of any of these conditions is asked to call their local police department by calling 9-1-1.

10/02/2026
10/02/2026
In case you haven’t heard yet!
09/05/2026

In case you haven’t heard yet!

It's going to be two days of nonstop celebration! 🎉

Tatus Festival is back at the PNE, bringing together tons of Indigenous artists, makers, performers, chefs and community members for a celebration you won't forget.

Attendees can expect live music and tons of cultural performances, including Shayla Jacobs, George Leach, Joel West and more from September 4-5 at the PNE Fair.

09/05/2026

Today, as we announce an arrest in this investigation, I am extending my sincere gratitude to our partners at the Crown Counsel Office for their invaluable work and collaboration throughout this investigation.

I also want to take a moment to acknowledge the 19 victims who have been identified in this investigation to date.

We recognize their incredible strength, their resilience, and their unwavering commitment to justice. They stood together and stood strong.

We want them to know - we hear you. Your voice matters, and you have made a difference not just for yourselves, but for the safety of our communities.

This matter is both significant and deeply concerning for the Vancouver Police Department (VPD).

The arrest of a VPD officer strikes at the heart of the public trust we work hard every day to earn and maintain.

Incidents like this are profoundly troubling and inconsistent with the values of our organization, and demand a thorough, transparent, and unwavering response.

Following a lengthy and thorough investigation led by the VPD, we have arrested a 26-year member of the Department for alleged criminal activity.

Kalwinder Singh Dosanjh was arrested and taken into custody yesterday (September 3). As legal proceedings are now before the courts, the VPD is limited in the information it can provide at this time.

Here is what I can share:

In December of 2023, the VPD received information from multiple victims alleging criminal activity involving Mr. Dosanjh.

Following an assessment of that information, I initiated an investigation into the actions of Mr. Dosanjh, and a dedicated VPD investigative team was established.

From the outset, we took immediate steps to protect and support the victims by embedding a dedicated victim and witness management team within the investigation, while ensuring the allegations were thoroughly and properly investigated.

Consistent with our commitment to accountability and transparency, we notified the Office of the Police Complaints Commissioner (OPCC) at the outset of the investigation.

Yesterday, Crown Counsel has approved charges against 50-year-old Kalwinder Singh Dosanjh and one other male, 51-year-old Sarabjit Singh Gill of Surrey, BC.

Mr. Dosanjh has been charged with the following offences:

• Four counts of fraud over $5,000,
• Four counts of theft over $5,000, and
• One count of breach of trust.

The conduct at the centre of these allegations occurred between 2017 and 2025.
Effective immediately, I have suspended Mr. Dosanjh.

Given the scope and gravity of these allegations, I have taken the strongest precautionary measure available to me and have recommended to the Vancouver Police Board that Mr. Dosanjh be suspended without pay.

If the Police Board adopts my recommendation, this suspension will remain in place while the criminal proceedings move through the courts and until any disciplinary proceedings under the Police Act are concluded.

Throughout, the VPD will remain vigilant in protecting the public, preserving the integrity of the Department, and above all ensuring the safety of the victims.

We recognize that there may be additional individuals and victims with information about Mr. Dosanjh’s alleged conduct who have not yet come forward.
To support the ongoing investigation, a dedicated phone line has been established, and we encourage anyone with information to contact investigators at 604-717-2601.

What I have shared with you today does not reflect the conduct or values of the VPD.

Every day, our officers face difficult and challenging situations, and serve our community with integrity, compassion, professionalism, and respect.

These allegations are deeply troubling, not only because of their seriousness, but because they have the potential to undermine the trust that our members work very hard to build and maintain with the public.

Our officers have made a longstanding commitment to fostering positive relationships, strengthening understanding, and earning the confidence of the communities we serve.

It is deeply distressing when the actions of one individual cast a shadow over the tremendous work of so many dedicated professionals who serve our city with honour each and every day.

I want to extend my sincere appreciation to the investigative team for their dedication and long-term commitment over these past two years.

Our priorities remain the protection of the victims, the preservation of the integrity of this investigation, and ensuring the prosecution comes to a successful conclusion.

Our deepest gratitude for the amazing community work this Matriarch put in.  Our thoughts and prayer to her family and l...
08/28/2026

Our deepest gratitude for the amazing community work this Matriarch put in. Our thoughts and prayer to her family and loved ones 🙏🏼❤️

The family of MLA Joan Phillip, Amshen, is deeply saddened to share that Joan passed away peacefully this afternoon, surrounded by her the love of her life, Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, her children, grandchildren and family at the age of 74. Joan was a fearless warrior and inspirational leader, and we will miss her dearly. The family asks for privacy at this time, and in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the B.C. Cancer Society.

07/07/2026

Address

300-2425 Quebec Street
Vancouver, BC
V5T4L6

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

604-251-7200

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