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Conclusions of the Inquiry:
The Aboriginal Justice Inquiry Report concluded a decade ago.
"We have investigated the administration of justice in Manitoba and have come to the conclusion that it does not deliver justice to Manitoba's aboriginal people. In almost every aspect of our legal system, the treatment of Aboriginal people is tragic. We marvel at the degree to which Aboriginal people have endured, and continue to endure what the justice system is doing to them. However, they have paid the price of high rates of alcoholism, crime and family abuse.
The time to act is at hand. government can begin to build a new relationship with Aboriginal people based upon respect, understanding and good will.
With greater self-determination in their own territories, Aboriginal people can begin to feel they are being dealt with fairly. With their own justice system, they can assume responsibility and once again deal with their own problems in their own culturally appropriate manner.
We have suggested what we believe has to be done and we have indicated how governments and agencies can bring about the necessary changes. We have completed our assignment. Government and others must now accept the responsibility to make the changes that cry out for action.
Canada's treatment of its first citizens has been an international disgrace. To fail to take every needed step to redress this lingering injustice will continue to bring tragedy and suffering to Aboriginal people, and to blacken our country's name throughout the world.
By acting now, governments can give positive expression to the public support and good will we have encountered from Manitobans during the past three years."
First Nations never embarrassed the government of Manitoba with the evidence of the Manitoba Aboriginal Inquiry Report in the international arena. There was no concerted effort to blacken the countrys name throughout the world. |
