The recent failure of our justice system in the Colten Boushie case has led to profound disappointment and anger. Yet it is only the latest example of a long-standing and well documented problem of unequal access to justice for Indigenous people in Canada.

Peremptory challenges allow potential jurors to be blocked from serving, without reason or explanation. In the Colten Boushie case, for example, the defence blocked all the jurors who appeared to be Indigenous. We must abolish peremptory challenges to ensure more equal jury representation of Indigenous people and people of colour.

This is a simple measure that must be taken to improve the system and begin down the road to regain the faith of all those - Indigenous and non-Indigenous - who want fairness within the law in Canada.

I am half-indigenous and half-white, and ALL of my friends are calling for change. And as the daughter of a residential school survivor who knows how easy it is to dehumanize others, I ask that you do what you can in your positions of power to not let the dehumanization of Indigenous people - abetted by the justice system no less - continue under your watch.

The Criminal Code is currently under review; our government has the power to amend the Criminal Code to prevent the use of peremptory challenges to discriminate against First Nations people. Action is the way to repair a relationship that has received a terrible blow and set reconciliation efforts back. Please sign and share this petition - we must reform our jury system now.