Former choose Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond says she’s happy in her “past work, identity and self-worth” after the British Columbia Civil Liberties Association revoked an award as a result of it believed she falsified her claims of Indigenous id.
Turpel-Lafond says in her most expansive remarks since questions on her heritage have been raised final yr that it’s “liberating” to be freed of honours.
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She says in an electronic mail she has “no emotional attachment to titles,” however she’s shocked that the affiliation rescinded the 2020 Reg Robson Award with out “basic fairness,” similar to permitting her a chance to be heard.
The former regulation professor and B.C. consultant for kids and youth, whose declare of Cree heritage was questioned by a CBC report final October, says “trial by media is rampant,” and it’s how “wrongful convictions and injustice” occur.
The civil liberties affiliation says data got here to gentle demonstrating that, in its board’s view, Turpel-Lafond had falsified her heritage declare, and sure skilled and educational accomplishments had additionally been disproven or referred to as into query.
Its assertion says it should comply with the lead of Indigenous students, leaders and organizations, together with the Indigenous Women’s Collective, which is demanding that each one honorary levels and awards conferred on her be revoked.
