The appointment of an Indigenous woman as judge to the BC Supreme Court was heralded with best wishes and hearty congratulations Tuesday from the Union of BC Indian Chiefs.

The contributions of Ardith (Walpetko We香蕉视频直播檇alx) Walkem, as the organization香蕉视频直播檚 legal counsel, as well with member nations over three decades, have been 香蕉视频直播渋mmeasurable,香蕉视频直播� according to Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, president of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC).

Phillip cited Walkem香蕉视频直播檚 香蕉视频直播渓egal rigour, brilliant mind, warm sense of humour, and principled commitment香蕉视频直播� to Indigenous people and 香蕉视频直播渢o full and fair enactment香蕉视频直播� of Indigenous title and rights.

He predicted she香蕉视频直播榣l stand out as 香蕉视频直播渁 shining light of justice香蕉视频直播� in her new role as a BC Supreme Court Justice, Phillip said in Dec. 15 release from the union of chiefs.

香蕉视频直播淲e celebrate with Ardith this tremendous achievement, recognizing that her appointment makes her the first First Nations woman in this role in British Columbia.香蕉视频直播�

Walkem grew up in Spences Bridge, B.C., and is a member of the Nlaka香蕉视频直播檖amux Nation. She articled with Mandell Pinder, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, and McDonald and Associates before being called to the Bar in 1996.

Walkem is owner and partner at . She holds a bachelor of arts from McGill University and bachelor of laws and master of laws degrees from the University of British Columbia, where she has taught in the faculty of law.

香蕉视频直播淎rdith is a brave and bold thinker who challenges those around her to understand the law and different legal traditions in innovative, transformative ways,香蕉视频直播� according to Chief Don Tom, UBCIC vice-president. 香蕉视频直播淗er research, work, and teaching have often focused extensively on the application and elevation of Indigenous laws, including in areas of child welfare and specific claims, and have undoubtedly changed the field.香蕉视频直播�

As the organization香蕉视频直播檚 legal counsel, she was involved in overseeing electoral processes and council work of the union for more than 20 years.

Kukpi7 Judy Wilson, union secretary-treasurer, described the recently appointed Walkem as a 香蕉视频直播渓eader in reconciliation initiatives,香蕉视频直播� citing work with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission advisory committees of the Law Society of BC and the Continuing Legal Education Society of BC.

香蕉视频直播淚n her new role, Madam Justice Walkem will be a formidable force for justice. We are proud to call her our friend and we wish her all the best in the work ahead.

香蕉视频直播淥n behalf of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, we are honoured and thrilled to celebrate Ardith香蕉视频直播檚 successes today.香蕉视频直播�

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