Paddling upstream: Working toward justice for Indigenous peoples
Q & A with Theresa John, Juris Doctor of Laws, Thompson Rivers University
As a kid growing up in northern BC, Theresa John attended a Catholic school off-reserve, where the extent of learning about local Indigenous culture was limited to non-existent. It was one of the first serious disconnects the young Indigenous woman experienced while attending school and growing up in a country that predominantly ignored Indigenous history and experiences.
Theresa, whose home territory is with the Dakelh (Carrier) in the interior plateau of BC, knew there was more to the story. She also knew there were ways the legal system could support vulnerable individuals in a more culturally appropriate way. She was inspired by many close family members to achieve an education including her mother, aunties, and both of her grandmothers, who attended Lejac Residential school. Today, Theresa has completed a criminology degree from Simon Fraser University and is now taking her Juris Doctor of Law at Thompson Rivers University.
But it has not been an easy road. Here, Theresa shares how she persevered despite many setbacks and challenges.
Q: Can you talk a little bit about the challenges Indigenous youth face when they’re trying to figure out the transition from high school to post-secondary?
A: Working through and completing post-secondary applications as a high school student can be really tough until you get the hang of it. For institutional applications, like at TRU or SFU, I needed different accounts for registration, learning platform systems and an email. Juggling all of these initially was a challenge, especially when there is limited or no internet access on-reserve, and nobody was formally available to advise in ensuring my application was completed properly. SFU’s advisors, staff and peers helped me navigate all those twists and turns of applying for different programs within the institution. The first time I applied to TRU Law, I missed one step and so they said, “We’re happy to get your application, but you missed this step, so you’re going to have to wait another year.” That was 2016. And I was like, “Oh, darn. How could I forget this step? After learning all these things in SFU, how could I miss that?”
Q: You also had some “twists and turns” once you were accepted to law school.
A: I received a conditional acceptance and had to complete the Native Law Centre Program in Saskatchewan, which is eight weeks. I had to quit my job, apply for funding, and leave my family and community to move to Saskatchewan for eight weeks. Everything changed. I wondered, “Why can’t I just go to law school like a regular student? Why do I have to do this program?” The requirement of completing the eight-week program is a lot of hard work because it is so condensed compared to the usual two semester course you complete in your first year. Despite the program being an extra step and double the work as an Indigenous law student, I value the life-long friendships I gained from that experience.
Q: And then you failed your program by one percent, which created a whole new barrier.
A: I did well in Aboriginal property, but not very well in real and personal property. And if you think about it, real property . . . that’s a belief system that’s totally contrary to Dakelh people, where a matrilineal potlatch system is followed. I’m learning a system that’s totally alien to mine, and I failed it by one percent. At this point, advocating for yourself and believing in your academic capabilities is crucial. If I just accepted the failing grade and doubted myself, I would not be here today with good academic standing and in my second year of law school.
Q: But ultimately — and there’s a much longer story about still more hoops you had to jump through — you were accepted. So tell me, why is this such an important career path for you?
A: My mother and uncle both served in the RCMP for over 25 years. And I witnessed my Aunty Mavis Erickson graduate with a master’s degree from Harvard Law, which influenced me to choose the path of becoming a criminal lawyer. Too many Indigenous people are trapped in the justice system due to systemic issues of inter-generational trauma from Residential Schools and the socioeconomic, physical and spiritual issues that arise from it, including poverty. Pursuing a career in law provides me with the opportunity to help foster systemic change. This program contributes to my ability in returning and working in my home territory with Dakelh people and continue building meaningful relationships. I strongly believe that traditional Indigenous justice systems have much to contribute to colonial structures, including the court system. I look forward to gaining and applying my skills and knowledge in becoming a part of changing the historically harmful relationships between Indigenous people and the law.
Q: How has the Indigenous Award helped you on your path?
A: It has helped relieve costs such as housing and transportation, definitely. And given I’m not in my community, I’m now able to visit more often, which is really huge. I think it’s really important for my mental health especially, because its hard attending post-secondary away from your family. And the longer you’re gone, the more your traditional teachers are leaving, right? I’ve lost so many aunts and uncles, so many grannies and grandpas since I’ve started my educational journey. So, they’re not there to teach me what they know about our history, culture and language. This award has had a huge impact on my academic journey and allowed me to value the connections to my family, community and culture even more.
Q: What else has helped you along the way?
A: I have a really great supportive family who have all been involved throughout my education. Had I not had them, I wouldn’t be in this position.
Thanks, Theresa. Your persistence and tenacity are something to admire. All the best as you complete your law degree, and begin to foster change in a legal system that is often unsupportive of Indigenous peoples.