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 WeB次元官网网址檇alx) Walkem, as the organizationB次元官网网址檚 legal counsel, as well with member nations over three decades, have been B次元官网网址渋mmeasurable,B次元官网网址� according to Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, president of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC).

Phillip cited WalkemB次元官网网址檚 B次元官网网址渓egal rigour, brilliant mind, warm sense of humour, and principled commitmentB次元官网网址� to Indigenous people and B次元官网网址渢o full and fair enactmentB次元官网网址� of Indigenous title and rights.

He predicted sheB次元官网网址榣l stand out as B次元官网网址渁 shining light of justiceB次元官网网址� in her new role as a BC Supreme Court Justice, Phillip said in Dec. 15 release from the union of chiefs.

B次元官网网址淲e celebrate with Ardith this tremendous achievement, recognizing that her appointment makes her the first First Nations woman in this role in British Columbia.B次元官网网址�

Walkem grew up in Spences Bridge, B.C., and is a member of the NlakaB次元官网网址檖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.

B次元官网网址淎rdith is a brave and bold thinker who challenges those around her to understand the law and different legal traditions in innovative, transformative ways,B次元官网网址� according to Chief Don Tom, UBCIC vice-president. B次元官网网址淗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.B次元官网网址�

As the organizationB次元官网网址檚 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 B次元官网网址渓eader in reconciliation initiatives,B次元官网网址� citing work with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission advisory committees of the Law Society of BC and the Continuing Legal Education Society of BC.

B次元官网网址淚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.

B次元官网网址淥n behalf of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, we are honoured and thrilled to celebrate ArdithB次元官网网址檚 successes today.B次元官网网址�

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