This appointment by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau notably reflects his government’s desire to reach out to the first inhabitants of the country. A year ago, an Inuit woman thus acceded to the post of Governor General, an honorary position representing the Queen of England. Michelle O’Bonsawin, the new judge has already sat for several years on the Superior Court of Ontario. Indigenous organizations welcome his arrival at the highest court in the land.
With our correspondent in Quebec, Pascale Guericolas
The nomination of Michelle O’Bonsawin raises a lot of hopes within the Aboriginal communities. They hope that the decisions taken by the country’s high court will now better reflect their reality. An opinion shared by Professor Sébastien Bordeur-Girard, director of the School of Indigenous Studies.
” I think it’s an interesting addition at the Supreme Court level, to make the necessary nuances and perhaps explain the intricacies of the particular historical context that affects aboriginal people. Sensitivity to the fact that Indigenous law is taking a growing place in the Canadian legal space. »
Born in Ontario, Michelle O’Bonsawin has been close for several years to the Abenakis of Odanak in Quebec where her grandfather comes from. As explained by Daniel Nolett, the director of the Band Council, the magistrate helps them to dust off the rules of belonging to this community.
” We were able to benefit from Michelle’s advice to be sure that we are more inclusive, to reflect the new reality of homosexual couples who have children. Master O’Bonsawin was very supportive of us on this. »
Determined to reconnect with her native culture, the judge also learned the Abenaki language of her ancestors.