Who We Are

Dr. J. Richard G. Herbert

Dr. Herbert is a professional with a broad education. Initially trained in medical microbiology and immunology, molecular biology, research and development, teaching and as a veterinarian, he further honed his teaching, organizational, analytical, infrastructure development and written communication skills. During an eleven year period in solo veterinary practice in Northern Ontario, Dr. Herbert was exposed to the realities of northern living and saw the injustice done to Indigenous individuals and communities. He began to refocus his skills toward building solutions to those injustices in 1998 and has spent the last eighteen years in discussions, teaching, developing, and pursuing funding with Indigenous communities, their leadership and traditional leaders.

Early on, Dr. Herbert became involved in discovering a general cultural process through which stolen Indigenous infrastructure could be developed and rebuilt. Rebuilt traditional infrastructures must respect traditional Indigenous law, customs and Immemorial rights while harmonizing with outside municipal, provincial, federal and international law and customs. These restored and reconciled Indigenous traditional infrastructures will allow Indigenous Peoples to take their place in a global community. The key to rebuilding and harmonizing traditional infrastructures with Canada lies dormant within Indigenous communities waiting to be reactivated by traditional law carried by Elders. Dr. Herbert works through a charity he founded, CAID, to rebuild traditional infrastructure destroyed by Canada’s policy of forced assimilation. He provides capacity Indigenous Peoples need to organize and initiate their rebuilding processes.

Professional Profile:

Email:   rherbert@caid.ca