Completed
Navigating Shared Waters: A Study Paper on Indigenous-Led Conflict Resolution
Overview
This study paper looks at the important role that Indigenous-led conflict resolution plays within legal orders.
Legal pluralism exists within Canada because there are multiple distinct and co-existing legal systems. This study paper builds on BCLI’s earlier primers on legal pluralism and explores how Indigenous Peoples are using their laws to resolve disputes and the challenges that arise when these systems interact with state laws. It draws on research, legal analysis, and conversations with those involved in developing Indigenous-led conflict resolution processes.
This publication reflects BCLI’s ongoing commitment to transformative law reform that aligns with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Reconciling Crown Legal Frameworks Program
The BCLI established Reconciling Crown Legal Frameworks Program to support the alignment of BC’s Crown legal framework with Indigenous laws. In November 2019, the BC government passed the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act), a globally significant legislative development which creates a path forward that respects the human rights of Indigenous peoples.
About the Artwork and Artist
The artwork depicts the journey of Indigenous-led justice, honouring each Nation’s laws, values, and traditions while restoring relationships and navigating new pathways for conflict resolution. Five people paddle a painted cedar canoe, moving forward with purpose. In front of the steersman there rests a bentwood box—a container of treasures, symbolizing wealth measured by generosity rather than possession. Framing their journey is The One In The Sea, the Orca and wealthiest supernatural. He stands as their guardian, protecting them as they navigate a future shaped by Indigenous laws and justice traditions—pathways that complement and enrich, rather than replace, existing systems.
SGidGang.Xaal / Shoshannah Greene
SGidGang.Xaal / Shoshannah Greene was born and raised on Haida Gwaii. She is a member of the St’awaas XaaydaGaay, from Hlkinil llnagaay (Cumshewa Village). From a young age, Shoshannah always had a strong drive to be creative. She pursued a Bachelor of Media Arts at Emily Carr University, with a major in hand-drawn animation. During these years, her interests shifted from classical animation to classical Haida formline. Today, Shoshannah works as a full-time artist, with a creative practice focused on Haida design, both traditional and digital painting, and illustration. Utilizing formline and passed-down cultural stories to colour her work, Shoshannah brings a contemporary lens to the Pacific Northwest artistic style of art-making.
Project funder
Funding for this project has been provided by the McLachlin Fund.
Related Files
Below you will find additional, relevant and specific documentation, backgrounders, research, resources, media releases and summaries that have been, or will be incorporated into our final publications and study papers.
If you have questions about these or other specific documents, please reach out to BCLI using our contact page or at the bottom of each page of our website.
