“We are trying to break away from that (colonial) system and reintroduce our [Tshilqot’in] laws, which were harsher than European laws, when you broke the law you had to pay for it…Now we hear in the province about the catch and release system, just a swat on the hand and you’re back on the street again. But traditionally that wasn’t allowed.”
Patrick Lulua, from the Tshilqot’in Nation shares his powerful insights on the need to restructure the justice system through the lens of Homeland laws at the 3rd Annual BC First Nations Justice Forum. He emphasizes the importance of moving away from colonial systems and reintroducing community-based justice practices rooted in the teachings. Patrick’s reflections on Tshilqot’in laws offer a vision for a more just and equitable future, inspiring us in our Track 2 work at the BC First Nations Justice Council, which focuses on restoring First Nations’ justice systems, legal traditions, and structures. We honour his teachings and hold up the significance of place-based laws that also focus on restoring relations, as we all continue this vital work together.
