Sandee Sez: What does justice look like to you?
- Sandra Ahenakew | August 21, 2015
There are many definitions of justice and many will depend on where you live and where you fit into the pecking order of Canadian society; criminal justice, street justice, poetic justice. The term Justice is often used with the word "fairness." In any situation, be it in a courtroom, at the workplace or in line at the local bar, we all want to be treated fairly. We shouldn't be judged more harshly because of our skin color (but we are), we shouldn't be paid any less because of our gender, and we shouldn't have to wait longer for a drink because of what we're wearing or the colour of our skin. We all deserve equal and impartial treatment.
In order for a just society we must have leaders that support the fair and equitable treatment of all citizens. There is a saying “For whom much is given; much is expected.” To our leaders we expect you to find ways to ensure that the laws of the land are just and administered justly. Protect our rights and punish wrongs using fairness.
Of course, history is littered with examples of governments that were unjust to some citizens. One such example would be the era of residential schools in Canada. First Nations people weren't given the same rights as white people, and still aren’t. In the early nineties, The Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples made recommendations on “fixing” the inequalities- we’re still waiting for those recommendations to be implemented. More recently the Truth and Reconciliation Commission provided their recommendations but nothing can happen until Canadians see the value of First Nations people.
Such an example raises the question of what's to be done when an injustice is committed. Over the years, many Indian people have asked the government to make restitution for the years of unequal treatment that their ancestors received. It took many years for the government and churches to apologize to First Nation people for the treatment of their children in those schools. News flash – money doesn’t fix all problems! When any crime or abuse is committed, we want justice, both for the offender and for the victim. For the offender, justice means that crimes don't go unpunished, but also that the punishment fits the crime. We all want to see the bad guys get what’s coming to them.
We treat a 13-year-old who stole a pack of gum differently than we treat a grown man who commits homicide, so justice has some flexibility in its administration (unless you happen to be First Nation). For a victim, justice may be seeing a criminal put behind bars, or it may be monetary -- the goal is to make the victim feel equal again – Indian people are a long way from feeling equal in many parts of Canada.
Indian people are the majority in Canadian prisons. Indian children are taken from their families and put into foster homes. Indian women are murdered and missing. Where is the justice for Indian people?
We all have a responsibility to ensure that our communities are fair and just. Let’s all do our part to build and maintain safe and healthy communities. Change can happen but it takes time and dedication. We all have an opportunity this coming October to voice our concerns with the way things are done in this country. Make your voice count this October and vote in the upcoming federal election. Make sure you register to vote and get the identification you need. Be ready when the polls open. Ask candidates what their views are on First Nations issues? Employment, housing, affordable day care, safe drinking water; what’s important to you and your family?
There is a great video on YouTube called Justice for Aboriginal Peoples – It’s Time - check it out.
Thank you for your letters and emails. It is my hope that all of you reading will choose to take care of your health and make good choices. Be kind to each other. I enjoy hearing from you. Contact me at Sandee Sez c/o Eagle Feather News, P.O. Box 924 Station Main, Saskatoon, SK S7K 3M4.
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