When people testify in court, they often swear on a bible that they will tell the truth.
Now, in an effort to make this process more inclusive, officials at the Barrie courthouse received a special gift that adds another way for this to be done.
In a unique and special ceremony at the Barrie courthouse today, elders from local aboriginal communities presented an eagle feather to the court. The eagle feather will be another option for people at court to swear on when they take their oath to tell the truth before testifying.
Eagle feathers have long been regarded as sacred items by aboriginal communities. It's the custom that whoever is holding the feather is compelled to tell the truth. Workers from the Barrie Native Friendship Centre say this is good step forward and will make a big difference in the perception of how justice is carried out.
“For the aboriginal person who is testifying certainly because they hold this dear to their heart and they feel being recognized by the court is a big step forward for our people,” says Shirley Hay, an aboriginal criminal court worker.
Barrie is the third courthouse to have an eagle feather on-site. But today's ceremony was the first time a feather was presented in a courthouse.
