In the graphic novel Mikomosis and the Wetiko, a native man is hung by settlers for burning a woman. What the men that hung him did not know was that the man was only following the law that he knew regarding someone who had turned into a Wetiko. While going back in time to prevent him from being hung, Buffalo Woman claims “We have to figure out relationship between Cree Law and Canadian Law” (Napoleon 27). Her statement highlights how the graphic novel puts into question on how Cree and Canadian should look or if both should co-exist at all in Canada. It is important to have a relationship between Cree and Canadian Law in order to acknowledge the rights of Aboriginals and allow natives to govern themselves with approval from the government.
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While this may be a controversial statement being that Cree Law was established first, in a 21st century society there must a written documentation to refer to, allowing citizens all of types to understand why which laws are put in place and which laws aren’t in a Cree Law. At the same time, values of both systems are similar but just need organization. In understanding the similarities, Buffalo Woman said “’ Cree law, like any other law is about contestation, collective problem solving, and collaborative management of large groups’” (20). Both systems of law display how groups of individuals come together to discuss issues and find solutions to major problems in their communities. On the other hand, Buffalo Woman fails to look at the difference in organization and structure between the two systems. Before the Canadian system puts a law into action, the bill is discussed serval times and a group vote is taken by the House of Commons before a bill is enacted into a law to insure every aspect of a law is discussed and scrutinized before approval. Cree law is conversed by a small group of leader in a closed where the public cannot hear it. Having a closed discussion between the higher powers of Cree Law can make the public unware of policy and even after a law is created, there is no written records of changes have been made. While the rights of Aboriginals are important, the constitution should still be viewed as the supreme law of the land. In his writings of First Nations, Mr. Burrows wrote “Canadian law has often been applied on the assumption that First Nations cultures were inferior to European laws and culture” (3). Although in no circumstance should First Nation law be considered insignificant, it shouldn’t be above the constitution either.
While this may be a controversial statement being that Cree Law was established first, in a 21st century society there must a written documentation to refer to, allowing citizens all of types to understand why which laws are put in place and which laws aren’t in a Cree Law. At the same time, values of both systems are similar but just need organization. In understanding the similarities, Buffalo Woman said “’ Cree law, like any other law is about contestation, collective problem solving, and collaborative management of large groups’” (20). Both systems of law display how groups of individuals come together to discuss issues and find solutions to major problems in their communities. On the other hand, Buffalo Woman fails to look at the difference in organization and structure between the two systems. Before the Canadian system puts a law into action, the bill is discussed serval times and a group vote is taken by the House of Commons before a bill is enacted into a law to insure every aspect of a law is discussed and scrutinized before approval. Cree law is conversed by a small group of leader in a closed where the public cannot hear it. Having a closed discussion between the higher powers of Cree Law can make the public unware of policy and even after a law is created, there is no written records of changes have been made. While the rights of Aboriginals are important, the constitution should still be viewed as the supreme law of the land. In his writings of First Nations, Mr. Burrows wrote “Canadian law has often been applied on the assumption that First Nations cultures were inferior to European laws and culture” (3). Although in no circumstance should First Nation law be considered insignificant, it shouldn’t be above the constitution either.