We don’t play God’: Indigenous communities concerned about doctor-assisted suicide – CBC

Apr 25, 2016

‘God is responsible for bringing us into this world, and taking our life,’ says Francois Paulette

A Dene leader says doctor-assisted suicide is not part of Aboriginal culture and he’s calling on the federal government to consult with Indigenous people before passing new legislation.

Francois Paulette, who’s also chair of Yellowknife’s Stanton Territorial Health Authority Elders’ Advisory Council, says Indigenous people are bound by spiritual law, not man-made law.

“We don’t play God,” he said. “God is responsible for bringing us into this world, and taking our life. It is pretty straightforward.”

Under proposed legislation tabled in Ottawa earlier this month, doctor-assisted death will be accessible to mentally competent adults who have a serious and incurable illness, disease or disability.

Read More: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/doctor-assisted-dying-indigenous-1.3550954