A new judge was welcomed to the bench this afternoon.
The official robing ceremony for Catherine Benton took place at the Bridgewater Justice Centre.
The first Mi’Kmaq woman to be appointed as a judge in NS, Catherine Benton, receives her robe. pic.twitter.com/yYi26J87PR
— CKBW Radio (@ckbwradio) March 24, 2017
She’s the first Mi’kmaq woman to be appointed to the role in Nova Scotia.
Benton was surrounded by her new colleagues and members of First Nations communities from around the province.
Several people rose to speak of her 22 years of experience as a defence lawyer, commenting on her compassion and passion for helping people who are the most vulnerable.
Along with her robe, Benton was presented with two eagle feathers by some of the many First Nations Chiefs who came to show their support.
Benton spoke briefly thanking her community and her family for supporting her throughout her career.
She says it was hard to leave the Legal Aid office.
But, she says she’s looking forward to the new challenges that stand before her.
