“Their [colonial] laws benefit generally the Canadian population, and doesn’t particularly look at the interests of the First Nations. We want to see our people thrive, we want to see them have the best opportunities available to thrive in their lives and to be the people they can be, to speak the language, to…when we look at our own structures and our own systems it’s always meant to uphold us, to make us better people, making us closer to the Creator.”
Chief Don Tom, of the Tsartlip First Nation shares his vision for reclaiming justice for Indigenous Peoples at the 3rd Annual BC First Nations Justice Forum. He expresses the importance of the opportunities First Nations in BC have to assert control over their own respective justice systems. Chief Don Tom brings attention to the need to honour those who were denied justice in the past and advocating for accountability while breathing hope into the future. He reflects on the crucial recognition of First Nations laws and legal orders and highlights the need for a productive partnership with the BC government.
