The first Indigenous judge in history to sit on the Supreme Court demonstrated her authenticity during an emotional inauguration ceremony to mark her arrival at the highest court in the land.
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In her speech punctuated by smiles and tears, Michelle O’Bonsawin, who is also Franco-Ontarian, launched “a big shout out” (greetings) to the members of her family, including her “little grandmother” Jacqueline, who displaced from the Sudbury area to attend the ceremony in the federal capital on Monday.
Judge O’Bonsawin was particularly moved when she thanked her husband Pierre and her two sons.
“I’m sorry, for those who don’t know, I’m a brawler,” she said, wiping her eyes and not without causing laughter in the audience.
“I’m proud to be part of this new little family,” she said of her new Supreme Court colleagues.
For Chief Justice Richard Wagner, his arrival “marks another important step towards reconciliation” with Indigenous peoples and “will make valuable contributions to the work of the court”.
“His coming helps ensure that the institutions of our country, including the Supreme Court of Canada, reflect even more the Canadian people,” he said.
Michelle O’Bonsawin has officially served as a Supreme Court Justice since September 1, when Justice Michael Moldaver retired.
“The culture, background and legal expertise of each member of the court brings something unique to this historic institution, which is constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of our modern society,” continued Justice Wagner.
A line-up of leading judges, including the Ontario Minister of Justice, discussed the judge’s career and underlined the importance of her appointment for reconciliation.
Ghislain Picard, Chief of the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador, was also on the scene.