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Today I had a sex assault trial. Acc and compl both young indigenous people. I told my client to bring an eagle feather to take his oath which was much more meaningful to him than a bible or solemn affirmation. We talked about the prayers and to smudge before entering the 1/4
court room. He left tobacco outside as an offering this morning. During my cross examination of the complainant, she acknowledged that although she regretted it, she pretended that she wanted to have sex. The Crown invited the court to enter an acquittal before I finished.2/4
I turned back to my client who was very happy, his mom and dad beaming, and masked hugs were shared all around. He then gifted me the eagle feather he brought. A feather he danced with for two separate 4-day sun dances (no food no water), that has been held for many smudges 3/4.
Sometimes there is great honour in showing up for these difficult moments in people’s lives. I take this as a sign, when I needed a way to meaningfully recognize the passing of another indigenous client, this feather is gifted to my life. I will cherish it.
