Another wonderfully clear and concise book from this great author. He has such clarity of thinking and of expression, no meanders, no bullshit.
This book is basically and indictment of the Canadian justice system in relationship to Canada's indigenous people. Chapter by chapter he outlines the harms, both intentional and unintentional, that the system perpetrates (note: many of the same things could be said about the system in relation to white society...). He also outlines the system bias that basically means even an increase in native lawyers and judges will not change the system itself nor the outcomes. He also explores the cultural differences that ensure that the dominant system will never work for native communities.
Johnson, in the case of the treaty for his people, also shows that native communities in fact have the right to maintain order and administer justice on the lands covered by the treaty. He sees this as a possible solution or way forward.
Johnson also proposes a return to native traditional values and culture, and an education in these as one possible alternative to incarceration. It seems like a good idea, but one potential weakness in the is that some native people may not want to return to this tradition viewpoint. To me, it seems there is some kind of inherent conflict or inconsistency in wanting to live by a non-western set of values while at the same time benefiting from or keeping the fruits and products of that set of values - technology, entertainment, daily living enhancements...
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