Michelle O’Bonsawin is a member of the Odanak First Nation community; will fill the vacancy of a judge about to retire

On Friday (August 19, 2022), the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, appointed Justice Michelle O’Bonsawin to the nation’s Supreme Court. She is the first judge of Aboriginal descent to be appointed to this position. The decision comes at a time when Canadians are coming to terms with their Indigenous peoples.

O’Bonsawin is part of the First Nations community of Odanak, an Indian reserve located in Quebec. The judge has been a member of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice since 2017 and specializes in various areas such as mental health and human rights.

“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Justice Michelle O’Bonsawin to the Supreme Court of Canada, recognized around the world for her strength, excellence and independence. His appointment is the result of an open and non-partisan selection process. I am confident that Justice O’Bonsawin will bring invaluable knowledge and contributions to our nation’s highest court.Trudeau said in a statement.

In documents submitted for his nomination, made public by the government, O’Bonsawin states the following: “As an Indigenous woman growing up in Northern Ontario, I realized the need for dedicated people to speak out to represent those who cannot speak for themselves.🇧🇷

The magistrate is expected to fill the vacancy of Justice Michael J. Moldaver, who will retire on September 1.

The Supreme Court of Canada is made up of 9 judges, including a Chief Justice. Corps members can serve until age 75. Since 2016, a board recommends candidates for the position, who must have served as superior court judges or been members of the bar of a province or territory for at least 10 years.

ORIGINAL PEOPLE

Canada has relived, in recent years, a difficult period in its history with the communities of origin. Between the late 19th century and the 1990s, a number of indigenous children were sent by the government to boarding schools run by the Catholic Church. Many of these children have died of neglect, malnutrition or disease in these spaces and many others report having suffered physical and sexual abuse.