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The Manitoba Law Courts building in Winnipeg.JOHN WOODS/The Canadian Press
Manitoba provincial court Judge Jerilee Ryle has been appointed the province’s first associate chief judge for reconciliation.
During the announcement Friday, Ryle said she believes her role is also the first in the country and hopes it paves the way for other jurisdictions to follow.
Justice Minister Matt Wiebe called the new appointment a historic step toward building a court system that better reflects Indigenous traditions and values.
“Indigenous people continue to be significantly overrepresented in our justice system, and we know real progress requires listening, partnership and sustained leadership,” Wiebe said in a statement.
Ryle, who is Anishinaabe from Lake St. Martin First Nation, was appointed to the bench last year after working as a Crown prosecutor and founding the Manitoba Prosecution Service’s Indigenous advisory council.
The government said she’s to preside over provincial court matters while taking on key administrative and leadership responsibilities, including supporting the chief judge in court management, advancing judicial education and developing policy.
Ryle is to begin her seven-year term in the new role beginning July 2.
Provincial court Chief Judge Ryan Rolston said Ryle brings “deep experience” and “strong leadership” to the position.
“She will play a key role in strengthening relationships with Indigenous nations and ensuring our courts better reflect Indigenous perspectives and values,” Rolston said in the statement.