An indigenous judge has been appointed to the provincial court in North Battleford. Murray Pelletier has been appointed by the Saskatchewan Government and is a proud member of the Cowessess First Nation of the Treaty 4 Territory of Saskatchewan.
Judge Pelletier also has an extensive career; after receiving a law degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 2007 he began his career as a lawyer with Legal Aid Saskatchewan. He worked with Sunchild Law Office before returning to legal aid as a staff lawyer in the Northern Area Office and later as the legal director in the Saskatoon Rural Area Office.
Most recently he worked with the Public Prosecution Service of Canada in the Saskatchewan region. Don Morgan, Justice Minister and Attorney General, believes Pelletier has shown himself to be an asset to the province.
“Judge Pelletier is a remarkable appointment to the bench,” says Morgan. “He has made valuable contributions to the legal community in Saskatchewan for the last 10 years. His knowledge, experience and skill will certainly enhance the judicial system in our province.”
The province says Judge Pelletier maintains strong connections to his home community, language and culture. In a statement, the ministry says his desire to assist people facing difficult situations and his enthusiasm to tackle difficult and complex issues demonstrates the value he brings to this position. Judge Pelletier replaces Judge Bauer who is transferring to the Provincial Court in Saskatoon.