Countering Imperial Justice: The Implications of a Cree response to Crime

John G. Hansen

Abstract


This paper explores the concept of justice through the perceptions of six Omushkegowuk(Swampy Cree) elders Indigenous to northern Manitoba. The workdiscusses restorative justice in relation to the educational ideas, principlesand practices of traditional Swampy Cree philosophy. The work is entitled,CounteringImperial Justice: The Implications of a Cree response to Crime because Indigenous people tend to view justice in terms ofhealing rather than punishing. Informed by Swampy Cree elders, I have provided a narrative andcomparative understanding of Indigenous justice. Although the work is based onthe Omushkegowuk experience of northern, Manitoba, its message may resonatewith other Indigenous groups.

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References


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