By Law or In Justice: The Indian Specific Claims Commission and the Struggle for Indigenous Justice

The Indian Specific Claims Commission (ICC) was formed in 1991 in response to the Oka crisis. Its purpose was to resolve claims arising from promises made to Indigenous nations in treaties, the federal Indian Act, and within other Crown obligations. This book traces the history of Indigenous claims and the work of the ICC. Written by longstanding ICC Commissioner Jane Dickson, it provides an unflinching look at the inquiry process and the parties involved. Dickson draws upon the records of the commission and her long research and experience with Indigenous claims to provide a balanced, careful analysis of Canada’s claims policy; she also makes a passionate plea for greater claims justice.