MOHAWK COUNCIL OF AKWESASNE CONGRATULATES MICHELLE O’BONSAWIN, FIRST INDIGENOUS SUPREME COURT JUSTICE  

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne is pleased to congratulate Michelle O’Bonsawin on her historic nomination to the Supreme Court of Canada, the country’s highest court. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made the announcement on August 19, 2022. 

O’Bonsawin is an Abenaki member of the Odanak First Nation in Quebec, and she will become the first indigenous person to be appointed to the Supreme Court.   

“Representation of indigenous people is important at every level of government and the justice system, in order to ensure that issues are examined through a sensitive and unique indigenous lens,” said Mohawk Council of Akwesasne Grand Chief Abram Benedict. “It is also inspirational and motivational for young people– and women – of all First Nations communities to see a person like them climb the ranks of success.  We are proud and honoured to celebrate Justice O’Bonsawin’s nomination.” 

Since 2017, O’Bonsawin has served as an Ontario Court of Justice judge, an honour which she was the first Indigenous woman to achieve. She has a PhD in law and a passion for mental health, and Gladue Rights – the topic of her thesis.   

The Mohawk Council extends congratulations and wishes great continued success to Justice O’Bonsawin.