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  • Peace and Good Order

  • The Case for Indigenous Justice in Canada
  • Written by: Harold R. Johnson
  • Narrated by: Craig Lauzon
  • Length: 3 hrs and 11 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (90 ratings)

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Peace and Good Order

Written by: Harold R. Johnson
Narrated by: Craig Lauzon
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Publisher's Summary

An urgent, informed, intimate condemnation of the Canadian state and its failure to deliver justice to Indigenous people by national best-selling author and former Crown prosecutor Harold R. Johnson.

"The night of the decision in the Gerald Stanley trial for the murder of Colten Boushie, I received a text message from a retired provincial court judge. He was feeling ashamed for his time in a system that was so badly tilted. I too feel this way about my time as both defence counsel and as a Crown prosecutor; that I didn't have the courage to stand up in the court room and shout 'Enough is enough.' This book is my act of taking responsibility for what I did, for my actions and inactions." (Harold R. Johnson)

In early 2018, the failures of Canada's justice system were sharply and painfully revealed in the verdicts issued in the deaths of Colten Boushie and Tina Fontaine. The outrage and confusion that followed those verdicts inspired former Crown prosecutor and bestselling author Harold R. Johnson to make the case against Canada for its failure to fulfill its duty under Treaty to effectively deliver justice to Indigenous people, worsening the situation and ensuring long-term damage to Indigenous communities.  

In this direct, concise, and essential volume, Harold R. Johnson examines the justice system's failures to deliver "peace and good order" to Indigenous people. He explores the part that he understands himself to have played in that mismanagement, drawing on insights he has gained from the experience; insights into the roots and immediate effects of how the justice system has failed Indigenous people, in all the communities in which they live; and insights into the struggle for peace and good order for Indigenous people now.

©2019 Harold R. Johnson (P)2019 McClelland & Stewart

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Book for these Times

What an interesting and timely book. I’m surprised there wasn’t more buzz about it. It was actually probably published just a bit too early, as, while it was published as a book about Indigenous rights, it also has implications for BLM. As a non-Indigenous Canadian, I learned more about Canadian history, particularly around what was and wasn’t included in some treaties. The book is very focussed on solutions and action, which is very exciting. The most advanced research on trauma,
intergenerational trauma and justice all comes together in this book. The discussion on alcohol is also linked and was eye-opening. As Gabor Mate writes, don’t ask why people are addicted, ask where the pain that they need to forget via their addictions comes from (of course, he says it much more eloquently). There is so much good info in here for the Canadian justice system and also, like I mentioned above, for the BLM movement. And, like all good books, I also learned something (or reinforced an idea) about parenting: punishment rarely serves a purpose and in fact, can cause irreparable harm. Instead, teaching as well as enabling people to redeem themselves makes for much healthier people and communities.

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Very informative and eye opening

This book touches on a little bit of everything as to why the justice system in Canada is failing its indigenous population. This book will open your eyes and minds on the subject of indigenous justice.

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Truth telling

Thank you, Harold, for sharing your story and the wisdom you have gleaned from your perspective. This "truth telling" is a must read for those involved in our justice system. It's eloquent treatise describing a better way, a way that belongs to this place.

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It’s so informative & so well written that I’m reading it a second time!!

This was a well written, informative, solid pieces of writing; holding unique unexpected treasured moments to a few tears in between. If you’re educated in law or are familiar with indigenous rights & land claims, you’ll really appreciate this. Honestly, It’s such a good book that I’m re-reading it yet again!

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Legitimately an amazing book

I had to read it for school, and even as a person that doesn’t read often, I LOVED this book!! Somehow made learning interesting ❤️

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Necessary perspective and wisdom.

Great work. Author's perspective refreshing and honest. A must read for anyone interacting with Indigenous people, justice or Indigenous people and justice. Rest in power ✊🏽

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  • 2022-04-14

Inspirational

A fresh, realistic, and indigenous perspective on Western criminal justice system issues. Loved it!

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On the topic of justice reform and reconciliation

This book gets straight to the point, with compelling stories, arguments, and recommendations concerning Canada's justice system.

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Very insightful

Paints an interesting picture & view of the justice system while also providing tangible solutions to improve it for both indigenous & non-indigenous.

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Peace and Good Order

This was eye opening.
I hope that the day will come when Indigenous people are treated with fairness.
Indian law treats the accused with Indigenous understanding and fairness.

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