The first indigenous justice in history to sit on the Supreme Court demonstrated her authenticity during an emotional inauguration ceremony marking her arrival at the country’s highest court.
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In her speech, punctuated by smiles and tears, Michelle O’Bonsawin, who is also Franco-Ontarian, offered “a big salute” (greetings) to members of her family, including her “little grandmother” Jacqueline, who was expelled from Sudbury to attend the ceremony in the federal capital on Monday.
Judge O’Bonsawin was particularly moved as she thanked her husband Pierre and their two sons.
“I’m sorry, for those who don’t know, I’m a thug,” she said, wiping her eyes, not without making the audience laugh.
“I’m proud to be part of this new little family,” she said of her new Supreme Court peers.
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 make our country’s institutions, including the Supreme Court of Canada, even more reflective of 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 bring something unique to this historic institution that continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of our modern society,” continued Judge Wagner.
A number of leading judges, including the Ontario Minister of Justice, discussed the judge’s career and underscored the importance of her appointment to reconciliation.
Ghislain Picard, chair of the Quebec and Labrador First Nations Assembly, was also present.