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Thinking about Change.

Monture-Angus, Patricia A.
June 4, 2015

Source: (2005) In Wanda D. McCaslin, ed., Justice as Healing: Indigenous Ways. Writings on Community Peacemaking and Restorative Justice from the Native Law Centre. St. Paul, MN: Living Justice Press. Pp. 275-279.

“As many of the numerous justice reports recognize, reforms to the existing justice system have not significantly changed the Aboriginal over- or underrepresentation in the justice system. In December 1991, the Law Reform Commission of Canada noted that the energy to reform the experience of Aboriginal people in the justice system must be directed in two ways. Clearly, reforms to the existing criminal justice system must occur. These reforms will focus on ‘accommodating’ Aboriginal culture, experience, and tradition within the existing justice system. Whether we like it or not, that system has custody over many of the citizens of our nations, and we must not forget them. At the same time, an equal amount of Aboriginal energy must be devoted to the re-creation of Aboriginal justice systems.” (excerpt)

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