Upper Great Lakes Métis Mediation: Lessons in Empathy, Compassion, and Conflict Resolution

• In Event: Lessons in Restorative Justice

Abstract

Indigenous peoples are the most disproportionately incarcerated in Canada. Despite extensive reports, commissions of inquiry, and legal reforms, Indigenous overrepresentation in the prison system had continued to escalate at an alarming rate. Justice approaches have predominantly emphasized arrest, prosecution, and punitive measures. This presentation explores restorative justice practices of Upper Great Lakes Métis during the 18th and 19th centuries, emphasizing the commitment to peacemaking, mediation, and gestures of the heart. A micro-historical analysis of primary sources—including memoirs, Métis correspondence, fur trade records, and historical narratives—reveals how Métis justice practices centered on compassion, empathy, and community-led mediation. By fostering restorative relationships and prioritizing healing over punishment, these practices offer valuable insights for addressing contemporary Indigenous overincarceration. Integrating Métis mediation and kind-hearted peacemaking into current justice frameworks might play a role in moving towards true reconciliation and lasting change.

Author

• Lisa Monchalin, Kwantlen Polytechnic University