Section 4: Conclusions and Implications

1) Summary

What types of problems have the participants experienced in the last three years?

The Métis individuals interviewed experienced a range of issues related to employment, housing, challenges with neighbors, the provision of health care and dealing with the burden of debt. One theme that runs through all of the interviews is the discriminatory practices with which they have had to deal. This reality is something they face as part of everyday life.

While the service providers identified issues, including criminal matters ranging from mischief to sexual assault, the examples they provided echoed the same underlying themes of systemic discrimination and disrespect.

How have the participants tried to resolve their problems? What have been the outcomes of these efforts?

Individuals approached Territorial organizations for resolution and, while some of their challenges were resolved most were not. Those that were resolved resulted from personal determination and, in some cases, outside support. For those not resolved, individuals continued to struggle for resolution while others have given up.

The service providers noted how people’s confidence was often eroded to a point where they would become unable to be their own advocates. They also explained the importance of the NWT context, including the small size of communities that frequently lacked resources and supports for those facing legal issues.

Have the participants resolved their problems through recourse to the formal legal system? If not, why not?

While not resolved through the legal system, resolution did occur as a result of ongoing contact and dogged determination. While there were instances of challenges that could be resolved through the formal legal system, the lack of financial resources and mistrust of the system itself, made it difficult to pursue formal legal action.

Service providers mentioned how individuals are confused and/or do not understand the justice system. The impact of colonization, residential schools and life experiences, including discrimination, have left many Indigenous people with a lack of confidence in themselves and mistrust in the justice system. Furthermore, the small size of some many of the communities results in individuals not pursuing resolution to avoid community sanctions.

What has been the impact of these problems on the participants – for example, financially, mentally and physically?

These were serious legal issues for these Métis individuals who, in many instances, felt invisible and disrespected. The impact of each situation on the individuals and families was multi-faceted and severe, including negative impacts on their health and well-being, as well as their financial situation. According to service providers, people’s confidence was often eroded to a point where they would become unable to be their own advocates.

2) Conclusions and Implications

The range of legal issues in the NWT encompasses the issues that others in Canada face. However, the Territorial context creates its own tensions and often heightens the impact resulting from the legal issues faced by individuals.

The Métis individuals interviewed identified employment-related issues, the burden of debt, challenges with neighbours, as well as with the housing and the medical system. While, on the surface, these may not appear to be the most serious of legal issues, the impact of each situation on the individuals and families was multi-faceted and severe, including negative impacts on their health and well-being, as well as their financial situation.

While the issues presented were disparate, strong themes ran across all the stories. The individuals felt the impact of systemic discrimination on their lives. As a result, they felt invisible, disrespected, and powerless. They often confronted the choice of remaining passive or becoming aggressive in the face of discrimination and racism. A deep distrust of systems and of the people holding power over them was fostered or reinforced.

While the service providers identified issues ranging from mischief to sexual assault, the examples they provided echoed the same underlying themes of discrimination and disrespect. As a result, they noted that people’s confidence was often eroded to a point where they would become unable to be their own advocates. They also explained the importance of the NWT context, including the small size of communities that frequently lacked resources and supports for those facing legal issues.

Justice is intended to be the servant of equity and fairness. The stories told by Métis people in the NWT speaks to system failure, particularly regarding Indigenous peoples. The legacy of colonialism is pervasive and manifests itself in systemic racism and discrimination at many levels.

Undoing the legacy of colonialism requires foundational change in systems - a multi-faceted and deeply challenging endeavour. However, supporting individuals who face the consequences of colonial systems and structures should be a priority for governments. Funding should be provided for resources, such as advocates for Indigenous people facing legal issues and language services for those attempting to navigate the system. Support for restorative justice and concerted efforts to enhance collaboration and information across systems are other promising avenues for improving the justice system. In addition, the uniqueness of the North needs to be recognized with more opportunities for the voices of Indigenous Northerners to be heard.