Report on Inuit Concepts of Civil Justice

The Canadian Forum on Civil Justice (based at the University of Alberta) has released a report entitled Justice for Nunavummiut: Partnerships for Solutions that deals with the territory of Nunavut and Inuit living in Ottawa:

"This report is drawn from the Civil Justice System and the Public research data specific to Nunavut and to Inuit living in Ottawa (the largest community of Inuit outside of the territory). The data are based on interviews, community workshops and participant review of draft reports between June 2003 and June 2007. Based on the research findings, the report begins by asking the root question, what is justice in the context Nunavut and Nunavummiut living outside of the territory? In order to examine this question, important issues are considered in providing family, civil and administrative justice that generates respect, harmony, peace and rehabilitation — the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit philosophy of justice and offers related recommendations. The importance of networks and partnerships in generating creative solutions for meaningful change to justice and social systems is discussed. The report concludes by asking how the Canadian Forum on Civil Justice can best support their partners in achieving the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit vision of justice — not only for Nunavummiut, but for all people in Canada."

The objectives of the Canadian Forum on Civil Justice are:

• collecting in a systematic way information relating to the system for administering civil justice;
• carrying out in-depth research on matters affecting the operation of the civil justice system;
• promoting the sharing of information about the use of best practices;
  functioning as a clearinghouse and library of information for the benefit of all persons in Canada concerned with civil justice;
• developing liaisons with similar organizations in other countries to foster exchanges of information across national borders; and
• taking a leadership role in providing information concerning civil justice reform initiatives and developing effective means of exchanging this information