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...term seeing a revival. It takes a lifetime to earn that title but only a minute to lose it ... One of the strongest values we have is humility. When a si:ya:m walks into a gathering, he automatically sits in the back; if the others invite him to sit in the front, then he moves. That is humility. I watch Canadian politicians and I wonder if they have ever heard of that principle. Our leaders are expected to serve the people and be there for them. Our values and our systems are not European. However, the more I study Europeans and the more I learn about my own history, the more I find that in fact we are the same. You love your Elders, you love your God, you cherish your young people, and you have a strong sense of justice, just as we do. In fact, if you look long and hard enough, you will find that there are probably more similarities than there are differences ... We have both paid too much attention to the differences between us, and I want to see that change. I hope you do, too. *
when Aboriginal people in British Columbia think of justice, many think of the Honourable Steven Point--a role model for First Nations youth and a leader of profound vision. He is now British Columbia's 28th lieutenant governor.
Steven was born into a large and deeply traditional family, to the late Roy Point and to Rena (Point) Bolten, of the Skowkale First Nation, and into the ancient Sto:lo, whose traditional territory lies in the lower reaches of one of the great river systems of the world. He was also born into the unresolved land question, which was simply and eloquently stated when the chiefs of the Interior presented a memorial to Prime Minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier in 1910. In words later cited by Steven in his submissions in Delgamuukw v. B.C., (1) they asked how the province acquired ownership and jurisdiction over their ancient and fertile land, in the absence of treaty, and requested that justice be done:
We desire that every matter of importance to each tribe be a subject of treaty, so we may have a definite understanding with the government on all questions of moment between us and them. (2)
Steven grew up in Chilliwack, where there was considerable prejudice against Aboriginal people around that time. He was trained by the elders and leaders of the Coast Salish world from an early age to be a leader of his people. Immersed in his culture, he was taught the ancient teachings and stories that form a critical component of the Coast Salish legal system and illuminate the underlying principles and values through which his peoples' indigenous system of justice is articulated. He was also trained in the rich and textured ceremony and ritual of the Coast Salish world so that he could take up sacred responsibilities in the...
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The Honourable Madam Justice Lauri Ann Fenlon., May 01, 2008
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