Two Metis women have been appointed as Provincial Court judges in Saskatchewan.
On Friday morning, the government announced the appointments of Mary McCauley and Natasha Crooks.
Judge McCauley will serve at Provincial Court in La Ronge while Judge Crooks will serve in Provincial Court in Saskatoon.
Judge McAuley was raised in Cumberland House and was one of only a few fluent Cree speaking female lawyers in the province. She received a law degree from the University of Saskatchewan and practiced law in Prince Albert for many years. McCauley spent time as a Crown prosecutor, defence lawyer with legal aid and as a private lawyer.
Those who appointed her, believe McCauley will have a unique awareness and understanding of cultural circumstances and needs as a Metis woman who grew up in northern Saskatchewan.
Judge Crooks is Métis and was raised in Southern Saskatchewan. She has dedicated her legal career to the public service and has worked extensively with the Parole Board of Canada — sitting as the Chairperson of the Aboriginal Circle, a national committee for the Parole Board.
Judge Crooks received a law degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 2004.
Justice Minister and Attorney General Don Morgan had high praise for both women.
(PHOTO: Provincial Court in La Ronge. File Photo)