Michelle O’Bonsawin
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Michelle O’Bonsawin
Law & Justice (2024)
Abenaki First Nation of Odanak, QC
“I have never been a conformist, and I have always told those whom I mentor to be yourself and don’t forget who you are, because if you change who you are, you’re not true to yourself in your beliefs and your values. The best piece of advice is to be yourself. Do not forget who you are and where you come from.”
The Honourable Michelle O’Bonsawin is helping to reshape the Canadian justice system, speaking as a strong voice for those who are not being heard. As a child, she dreamt of becoming a lawyer, even after her high school guidance counsellor told her that it wouldn’t be possible.
Justice O’Bonsawin has a B.A. from Laurentian University, an LLB from the University of Ottawa, a Master of Law from Osgoode Hall Law School, and a Doctorate in Law from the University of Ottawa. She began her legal career with the RCMP and then served as counsel with Canada Post, specializing in labour and employment law, human rights, and privacy law.
Prior to her appointment to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in 2017, Justice O’Bonsawin was General Counsel for the Royal Ottawa Health Care Group, which gave her unique insights into legal issues related to mental health – specifically, the application of Gladue principles to Indigenous accused in the forensic mental health system.
She taught Indigenous law at the University of Ottawa’s Common Law Program and was responsible for the Indigenous Relations Program at the Royal Ottawa Health Care Group. She is a frequent guest speaker on Gladue principles and Indigenous issues as well as mental health, labour, and privacy law.
As a bilingual instructor with the Canadian Institute for the Administration of Justice (CIAJ), Justice O’Bonsawin has provided training to many communities across Turtle Island. She is passionate about learning her Abenaki language and is active in her community, mentoring other Indigenous female lawyers.
Justice O’Bonsawin was appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada in 2022, where she is a forthright, compassionate advocate for Indigenous peoples and legal traditions.
