Turpel-Lafond “satisfied” with his identity, his past work

Former judge Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond says she is happy with her “past work, her identity and her self-worth” after the British Columbia Civil Liberties Association revoked an award because she believed that she had falsified her claims of Aboriginal identity.

Turpel-Lafond says in his most expansive remarks since questions about his legacy arose last year that it is “liberating” to be released from honors.

She says in an email that she has “no emotional attachment to the titles,” but she’s surprised the association canceled the 2020 Reg Robson Award without “fundamental fairness,” like allowing her to be heard.

2:19University of Regina strips Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond of honorary degree

The former law professor and BC representative for children and youth, whose claim to Cree heritage was called into question by a CBC report last October, says “trials by media are commonplace”, and this is how “wrongful convictions and injustice” occur.

The civil liberties association says information has come to light showing that, according to its board of directors, Turpel-Lafond had falsified its heritage claim, and that certain professional and academic achievements had also been refuted or questioned.

Her statement says she must follow the example of Indigenous scholars, leaders and organizations, including the Indigenous Women’s Collective, which demands that all honorary degrees and awards bestowed upon her be revoked.