Jody Elizabeth Myers

Jody Wilson-Raybould, born March 23, 1971, is an Indigenous Canadian lawyer, author, and former politician. She is a member of the We Wai Kai Nation and carries the Kwak’wala name Puglaas. Her career prior to federal politics included serving as a provincial Crown attorney in British Columbia, a commissioner on the BC Treaty Commission, and as regional chief of the BC Assembly of First Nations. In these roles, she focused on advancing Indigenous governance, treaty negotiations, and advocating for the rights and self-determination of First Nations peoples. She also played a significant role in developing financial administration laws and land codes for her community, and in strengthening First Nations' fiscal management through her work with the First Nations Finance Authority.

Wilson-Raybould entered federal politics as the Member of Parliament for Vancouver Granville with the Liberal Party in 2015, subsequently serving as Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada. During her tenure, she notably refused to offer a deferred prosecution agreement to SNC-Lavalin when pressured by the Prime Minister. This situation led to her resignation from Cabinet and removal from the Liberal caucus in 2019. She was re-elected as an independent in the 2019 election. Her work has consistently centered on justice, reconciliation, and empowering Indigenous communities through effective governance and the assertion of their rights.

Jody Wilson-Raybould has dedicated a significant portion of her career to advocating for Indigenous governance and justice. Her work as a provincial Crown attorney provided her with firsthand insight into the over-representation of Indigenous peoples within the criminal justice system, reinforcing her commitment to public service and reform. Later, as a commissioner on the BC Treaty Commission, she was instrumental in facilitating complex treaty negotiations, earning a reputation for her ability to bridge divides between opposing parties and ensure diverse voices were heard. Her election to the We Wai Kai Nation council strengthened her resolve to advocate for First Nations governance at provincial and national levels. She was key in developing land codes and financial administration laws for her community, moving them away from the constraints of the Indian Act and establishing robust frameworks for transparency and accountability. This work extended to her leadership roles within the First Nations Lands Advisory Board and the First Nations Finance Authority, where she chaired the borrowing members and oversaw significant financial initiatives.

As the regional chief of the BC Assembly of First Nations, elected in 2009 and re-elected with substantial support, Wilson-Raybould focused on nation-building and empowering Indigenous peoples. She championed the practical implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the constitutional recognition of Indigenous and treaty rights. Her efforts aimed at reconciliation between First Nations and the governments of British Columbia and Canada, prioritizing strong Indigenous governance, equitable access to lands and resources, and improvements in education and health. She co-authored the BCAFN Governance Toolkit, a comprehensive guide to nation-building that helped First Nations transition their governance structures. Wilson-Raybould also held national executive responsibilities within the Assembly of First Nations, focusing on claims and governance. She participated in high-level discussions with the federal government, advocating for governance reform and economic development, emphasizing that well-governed societies achieve better outcomes.

Wilson-Raybould's entry into federal politics as the Member of Parliament for Vancouver Granville marked a new chapter in her public service. As Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, she faced a significant challenge regarding the SNC-Lavalin affair, where she refused to offer a deferred prosecution agreement despite pressure from the Prime Minister. This principled stance led to her resignation from cabinet and subsequent removal from the Liberal caucus, ultimately running as an independent in the 2019 election. Her background as a lawyer, Crown attorney, treaty commissioner, and Indigenous leader provided her with a unique perspective on justice and governance. Her father, Bill Wilson, a hereditary chief and lawyer, had expressed aspirations for his daughters to pursue law and politics, a path Jody Wilson-Raybould has notably forged with a focus on Indigenous rights and systemic reform.

“I always knew that there was an over-representation of indigenous peoples and vulnerable people in the criminal justice system but it became certainly more pronounced to me being down there for almost four years.”

“She has actually talked to the people who are affected. She has worked with these people and made choices about their future in a really meaningful way.”

“felt like I was being heard for the first time in a process that was normally exclusionary. She went out of her way to make sure that this diversity was reflected”

“societies that govern well simply do better economically, socially and politically than those that do not. Good governance increases societies' chances of meeting the needs of their peoples and developing sustainable long-term economic development, and that First Nations are no different.”