Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appointed Michelle O’Bonsawin as a member of the Supreme Court of Canada effective this Friday, August 19th. The judge will thus become the first indigenous voice in the country’s highest court.

This is a historic first. As the North American state is in the process of reconciliation with its indigenous people, the election of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resonates throughout the country. Justice Michelle O’Bonsawin on Friday became the first indigenous justice to sit on Canada’s Supreme Court, an institution made up of nine judges.

“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Judge Michelle O’Bonsawin to the Supreme Court of Canada, a body recognized around the world for its strength, excellence and independence (…). I believe her invaluable knowledge and valuable contributions will be made by our nation’s highest court,” the prime minister said in a statement.

The judge will fill the vacancy due to the retirement of her predecessor Michael Moldaver on September 1st.

A varied career

Franco-Ontarian Michelle O’Bonsawin is an Abenaki member of the Odanak First Nation, an indigenous people who lived in southeastern Quebec before the Americas were colonized.

Mental health, labor and employment law, human rights, privacy law… Throughout her career, the judge, who has served on the Ontario Supreme Court since 2017, has specialized in many areas. She has also taught Aboriginal Law at the University of Ottawa.

“As an Indigenous woman growing up in Northern Ontario, I have come to realize that committed people need to have a strong and representative voice for those who cannot speak for themselves,” she said in her candidacy questionnaire released by the Canadian government.

Michelle O’Bonsawin’s appointment is the second consecutive appointment in the jurisdiction’s history. Last year Mahmud Jamal became the first non-white person to be appointed to the Supreme Court.