Last week, a news story surfaced in my community regarding First Nations people having their own court. This court is modeled after a “successful New Westminster model” as well as First Nation courts in Toronto and Kamploops. I believe the development of First Nations courts represents a significant step forward towards sovereignty for First Nations people.

The model is still largely based on the BC provincial court system, however, indigenous peoples who are called upon to face the law will now have the choice to present themselves to the provincial court, or to First Nations court.

When interviewed, Cowichan Tribes Community Justice Coordinator Calvin Swustus said, “This court is unique compared to the contemporary Provincial Court. It does have a First Nations judge, a First Nations Crown counsel, and duty counsel.”

“The First Nations court has been developed to provide a forum for Aboriginal peoples involved with the criminal justice system in a culturally based setting that takes a holistic and restorative healing approach to sentencing,” said Mabel Peter (Tth’utsimulwut), a spokeswoman for the First Nations Court Committee.

I believe that this represents a step in the right direction. The judicial system of BC is now observing the rights of some First Nations groups to be guided by First Nations healing practices, which I see as part of a growing movement to bring back the traditional ways of indigenous people.

Mel Burgess

Simpson, S. (2013). New First Nations court in Duncan first on Island – Canada.com. Retrieved October 14, 2013, from http://www.canada.com/First+Nations+court+Duncan+first+Island/9013710/story.html.