Barry Stuart
Barry Stuart worked as a lawyer, mediator, policy analyst to government, and a faculty member of numerous Canadian law schools. In the 1970s, he worked to shape Canadian environmental law.1)
As the chief land claims negotiator, Barry Stuart's approach was constructive, collaborative and visionary and those skills led to the successful signing and ratification of the Yukon First Nations Umbrella Final Agreement. As Chief Judge of the Territorial Court of Yukon, he introduced circle sentencing and other restorative justice initiatives that improved outcomes and started a needed conciliation process in the Yukon justice system.2) The Yukon circle program became a key element in North American justice reform.3)
After retirement, Stuart continued to work with governments and private organizations using mediation and consensus building and shared his expertise through international teaching and speaking engagements.4)
Barry Stuart was inducted into the Order of Yukon in 2025. “His vision, integrity and lifelong commitment to just relationships have transformed lives and had a profound and lasting impact on the Yukon.”5)