Grade 12 exams and doing justice

Who are the Nisga'a? And why should I care about Native people in British Columbia and B.C.’s referendum on treaty negotiations? I'm just 18 and have grade 12 exams to write, and graduation to think about, and mountain biking, and . . .

"And they all alike began to make excuses . . ." (Luke 14:16). That's a line from the banquet parable, one my dad might use to reprimand me, to prod me to do justice.

But he didn't. I was old enough to vote in the referendum, and he stuffed CPJ's referendum bulletin in my hand. I looked at the title: Make your vote count for justice. I understood little else. I voted, dutifully reflecting the trusted convictions of my father and his favourite organization, and mindful of CPJ urging me to vote NO. It was a start.

In April I intercepted my dad's email about CPJ's executive director Harry Kits coming to Smithers, wondering if a high school class might wish to have him as a guest speaker. It seemed like a great idea, and bonus points for me. So I booked Harry for my Bible studies class, then told my dad what I'd done. He was grateful for my impulsive enthusiasm. I guess I was now a partner in doing justice.

Next, some editor named Murray wanted me to be a reporter for CPJ's annual general meeting here in Smithers on June 6 and take pictures of the featured speaker and write an article. Wow! Front-line justice! My dad was impressed, and even consented to help with the article. My brother Ben said he'd take notes so I could take pictures. I was all set.

The big night arrived. In his opening remarks, Harry Kits noted that a referendum by a majority against a minority is not the right thing for government to do. Rather, "to resolve a problem you must go back to where that problem began."

Citing the prophet Isaiah, Harry urged us to seek justice every day, especially with our neighbours. In the words of Rod Robinson, another Nisga’a elder, from the book Nation to Nation, "we must seek out those narrow spots near the river's source where our hands may be joined as equal and honourable partners in a new beginning."

Keynote speaker Charles MacKay, an elected member of the Nisga’a Council of Elders, began with a history lesson on relations between the Nisga'a and the white man's government. MacKay related a story told to him by his mother of how the Nisga'a people pooled their meagre financial resources, selling even their jewelry, to send a delegation to Ottawa.

"We were negotiating our way into Canada, not out of Canada," said MacKay. He explained that the Nisga'a didn't want the Canadian government to create anything for the Nisga'a, just to preserve what already was theirs. The Nisga'a desired a treaty based on the ancient philosophy of sharing, or coexistence.

In May 2000, a Final Agreement between the Nisga’a and the governments of Canada and B.C. was signed, granting self-government. MacKay went on to describe changes and events since then. Over 5,000 people have been enrolled as Nisga'a citizens. Self-government takes place through an elected Council of Elders. Nisga’a people in Vancouver, Terrace and Prince George are also represented; MacKay is the elder for Terrace.

So far the Nisga'a have enacted 32 laws. Seven amendments to these laws have also been passed. "We have to fix our mistakes," chuckled MacKay. Five officers are responsible for finances, programs and services, fisheries, wildlife, and forestry.

Questions to MacKay from the audience of 35 people were respectful and genuinely supportive. Asked if the Nisga'a Final Agreement should be a model for other treaties, MacKay replied, "Working together is first and foremost."

A story about MacKay’s grandson illustrated how restorative justice works among the Nisga’a. He and some friends were involved in a theft, and got caught. During a community feast, the youth was brought before the community to publicly confess and say he was sorry. From then on, said MacKay, the youth changed and was a much better person.

On matters of economic development, MacKay introduced a new term, to "Nisga'anize," saying "We incorporate our values in how we do business." The Nisga'a recognize the importance of sharing with others.

In closing, Harry Kits offered the Nisga’a elder a work of Native art as a gift of appreciation. With a warm parting grin, MacKay gave us one more insight into his Native culture: "I cannot accept this gift personally, therefore this gift is for my government."

Those who attended were blessed by MacKay's account of a long and difficult struggle for Nisga'a recognition, and touched by his quiet confidence in a brighter future for the Nisga'a.

And I'm just beginning to realize that doing justice is a call extended to each and every one of us, every day.

* Karl Rhebergen has added a deepening passion for justice to his repertoire of personal interests