Improving First Nations representation on jury rolls isn't just about making lists.
"What I learned emphatically was that it isn’t just getting names of First Nations people living on reserves, it was also their attitude toward the justice system, which really is very, very important," said former Supreme Court Justice Frank Iacobucci.
"Because it's a block to their willingness to serve on juries."
Iacobucci addressed a packed room during day two of the three-day Nishnawbe-Aski Nation Justice Summit Wednesday morning at the Valhalla Inn and gave a review and update of his report on First Nations representation on jury rolls that was released earlier this year.
While preparing the report, Iacobucci spoke to many First Nation people and found the issues just weren't about jury rolls, but about how the justice system is viewed by First Nation people.
That led him to recommend improving relationships between First Nations, non-Aboriginal people and all levels of government, and not just in the north.
"We have to have mutual respect and trust for each other," Iacobucci said.
"We have to build that. We can't just proclaim it. We can't just announce it. We have to, by our actions and deeds, improve that relationship."
And when it comes to change, Iacobucci said it's time for action, not more discussions. He was pleased to hear the implementation committee recommended in his report has already met several times.
Despite these things moving forward, Iacobucci knows real change will take time.
"The deficiencies have accumulated over decades and decades. You can't expect instant solutions. You've got to be patient," he said.
"This will take time and involve many, many sectors of our society but it's got to start."
The NAN-wide Justice Summit focused on topics including restorative justice, Gladue Reports, band bylaw enforcement, bail issues, victim witness services and over-incarceration of Aboriginal people.
