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For a very long time, Aboriginal people have criticized, with telling effect, the way in which they are treated at all stages of the criminal justice system. Many argue that the solution lies in a parallel system of justice (or, more accurately given the diversity of Aboriginal peoples, parallel systems of justice), drawing on specifically Aboriginal traditions. This solution has been closely linked to Aboriginal peoples' fundamental commitment to the inherent right of self-government.

There is considerable agreement that the present justice system is unsatisfactory. A series of commissions and task forces, sponsored by non-Aboriginal governments, have confirmed Aboriginal criticisms. 1 There has, however, been much less agreement on solutions. Although some have endorsed the creation of parallel systems of Aboriginal justice, non-Aboriginal political leaders-and, it seems, non-Aboriginal Canadians generally-have tended to balk at those proposals. Non-Aboriginal Canadians appear willing to consider reforms within a common institutional structure, but to oppose solutions that involve separation.