Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appointed Indigenous Judge Michelle O’Bonsawin to the Supreme Court on Friday.a historic first in a country in the process of reconciliation with its indigenous peoples.
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Member of the Odanak First Nation, in quebecO’Bonsawin was part of the Superior Court of Justice of Ontario since 2017 and speaks French and English.
“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Justice Michelle O’Bonsawin to the Supreme Court of Canada, a body recognized around the world for its strength, excellence and independence,” Trudeau said in a statement.
I am pleased to announce the appointment of Justice Michelle O’Bonsawin to the Supreme Court of Canada, a body recognized around the world for its strength, excellence and independence.
O’Bonsawin has specialized throughout his career in various areas, including mental health and human rights.
“As an indigenous woman who grew up in Northern Ontario, I realized the need for people dedicated to providing a strong and representative voice to those who cannot speak for themselves,” she wrote on her nomination form released by the government. .
A non-binding procedure must still take place at the end of August before Parliament before the magistrate takes office.
Michelle O’Bonsawin’s appointment is her second in a row to the Supreme Court. Last year, Mahmoud Jamal became the first non-white person appointed to the court.
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In recent years, Canada has grappled with a dark chapter in its past: the abuse and death of indigenous children sent to Catholic-run boarding schools between the late 19th century and the 1990s.
In that time, the Canadian government sent nearly 150,000 children to 139 such schools.
The minors were separated from their families, language and culture in an attempt to destroy their identity.
Many of them suffered physical and sexual abuse in schools, and thousands are believed to have died from disease, malnutrition or neglect.
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During a visit to Canada last month, Pope Francis met with survivors of the residential school system and apologized for the abuses, which he said amounted to genocide.
AFP
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