An eagle feather and a bridging of cultures at the Orillia courthouse
Orillia’s usually staid courthouse took on a celebratory atmosphere during a historic moment that, in the words of one speaker, pointed the way to greater inclusiveness for First Nations people.
A pair of eagle feathers — considered sacred objects in Indigenous culture — were presented to court officials during a ceremony held in the traditional land of the Anishinabek.
“The eagle represents honesty, truth, majestic strength, courage, wisdom, power and freedom,” Chippewas of Rama First Nation Chief Rodney Noganosh told the standing-room only audience that gathered to witness the event.
Eagle feathers are currently in use in Barrie, Parry Sound and Bracebridge courts to ensure Indigenous people have the opportunity to honour their spiritual beliefs when swearing an affidavit or testifying under oath.
During the June 20 event, one feather was presented to the Orillia court and another to a representative for the Midland court.
Indigenous people, Noganosh told the crowd, have a “much higher incarceration rate across the country” than other groups.
“It is initiatives like these that can help to bridge that gap for our people,” he added.
The feathers will be kept under lock and key in the judiciary office of the courtroom, and logged in and out when in use.
In addition, they will be routinely smudged using traditional medicine and brought to cultural ceremonies.
Elder Hector Copegog, of Wausauksing First Nation conducted a prayer, smudging and ceremony assisted by Elder Lorraine McRae, of Rama First Nation.
The late-afternoon event also featured traditional drumming by the Intertribal Peace Keepers, a group of law enforcement officers representing the OPP, Rama Police Service and Barrie police.
The drum “represents the heart beat of each and every one of us here today,” said Tom Batisse, acting chief for Rama Police Service.
Noganosh noted that a restorative justice program, established in 1996, continues “to this day with much success.”
Restorative justice focuses on the rehabilitation of offenders through reconciliation with victims and the community.
“If we can bring our brothers and sisters home to their community to begin the justice process with the victims, families and community, that is the most restorative and human approach for our people,” he added.