Editorial: Sea change

I recently saw a religious leader talk about how attitudes are changing to indigenous issues across Canada.

     The man — an expert — talked about the “veil of death” that falls whenever we ignore the darker systems in which we are complicit.

He joked that when he had events to talk about indigenous issues, it used to be just him and the person handling the audio-visual services. Not anymore. Now, it’s a packed house.

All across our country, people of immense power and privilege are speaking about the need to reaffirm each Canadian’s role in restoring relationships with indigenous peoples.

Jody Wilson-Raybould told lawyers at the Canadian Bar Association’s annual conference that she was committed to “re-building the nation-to-nation relationship.”

On Sept. 23, new lawyers were called to the bar from Lakehead University’s Bora Laskin Faculty of Law, with dean Angelique EagleWoman giving a special address.

“All of us need to know the true history of this country, including the dark chapters of the residential school experience, in order for us to achieve true reconciliation,” Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler of Nishnawbe Aski Nation said at the ceremony, where he received an honorary doctor of laws. “. . . All of you have an amazing opportunity to be part of this historic journey.”

In this issue of Law Times, Bob Rae has written eloquently about the need for a “deep and lasting partnership.”  

Reconciliation is no quick fix. It is a mucky battle that will take decades of work. Lawyers of all practices have an opportunity to reflect deeply on how their work can reshape these relationships.

I would encourage them to do so.