As we examine the data for these ten different kinds of law,
we utilize certain set kinds of evidence. Within these ten
different categories of Indigenous understandings, evidence
will be gathered from six types of information. They are: 1.
Linguistic Evidence 2. Historical Evidence from the
Indigenous Perspective 3. Oral Tradition of Ancient Laws,
Customs and Moral Codes 4.European ‘Authorities:’ Explorers,
Missionaries, Government Officials, Scholars 5.Contemporary
Indigenous Testimony 6.Recent Legal Opinion in Canadian
Judicial Decisions. In effect, we have tried to provide the
most compelling evidence on the basis of what scholarship
would now accept as having a solid basis. While we would
acknowledge that this evidence may not be as convincing as
all historians or all scientists would wish, the valuation
of this is obviously something that each reader can judge.
It also accepts that Indigenous knowledge is a legitimate
and valid area of human enterprise, and, rightly understood
and used, can provide everyone with important insights and
perspective.
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