Doug has an exemplary legal, political, and historical mind and is widely regarded as an expert in Indigenous law and legal orders. His presence will be deeply missed at our table.
ISSUED
December 20, 2022
tkwəɬniwt (Westbank), Syilx Territory/Westbank, BC
The BC First Nations Justice Council congratulates Kwulasultun, Doug White on his appointment as Special Counsel to the Premier on Indigenous Reconciliation where he will expedite Indigenous issues held up between multiple government ministries.
In five years with the BC First Nations Justice Council, Mr. White has led the creation of a first-of-its-kind provincial First Nations Justice Strategy, set up an organization to implement it, and established a network of Indigenous Justice Centres. Doug has an exemplary legal, political, and historical mind and is widely regarded as an expert in Indigenous law and legal orders. His presence will be deeply missed at our table.
Called to the bar in 2008, Mr. White is a practicing lawyer, chief negotiator, and recognized advocate for Indigenous justice issues. He was awarded Queens Council designation in 2020 and has held a number of leadership roles including Chief Councillor for Snuneymuxw Nation, member of the First Nations Summit and First Nations Leadership Council.
Kwulasultun descends from prominent Coast Salish and Nuu-chah-nulth families and was trained from a young age to lead. Kwulasultun is like the west wind – an undeniable force of nature. If there is anyone that can get government ministries unstuck and working together to advance reconciliation in BC it’s Doug.
Syilx lawyer, founding member, and Vice-Chair of the BC First Nations Justice Council Rosalie Yazzie has stepped in as interim Chair.
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About the BCFNJC:
The BC First Nations Justice Council was created by and is accountable to the BC Assembly of First Nations, the First Nations Summit and the Union of BC Indian Chiefs. It has been entrusted with a mandate to transform the justice system and create better outcomes for Indigenous people through implementation of the BC First Nations Justice Strategy.
Visit BCFNJC’s website: https://bcfnjc.com/
Read the full Justice Strategy here: https://bcfnjc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/BCFNJC_Justice-Strategy_February-2020.pdf
