K’ómoks First Nation has announced a historic appointment, not only for their Nation, but every First Nation in Canada.
Dr. Marion Buller has been appointed as the first Justice of the Peace, making K’ómoks the first land code First Nation in the country to appoint someone to the role.
Buller said the new role will enable the transparent application of K’ómoks First Nation’s laws in their own ways.
“I am excited to learn KFN’s approaches to justice and am honoured to assist in the culturally appropriate implementation of those laws.”
The new role will allow the Nation to not solely rely on the RCMP which doesn’t acknowledge First Nation laws.
It also allows them to rely less on the court system, which will help settle disputes and prosecute individuals who break laws.
Buller is a Mistawasis Nêhiyawak Cree Nation member who has nearly 40 years of experience of legal expertise to qualify her for this role.
She was the first First Nation woman appointed as a provincial court judge in B.C., and helped establish B.C.’s First Nation and First Nation Family Courts.
Elected Chief of the Nation, Ken Price called Buller one of the most accomplished Indigenous legal experts and is pleased she accepted the role.
“Marion’s choice to work with K’ómoks First Nation is a clear sign of good things to come by addressing the legal gap for enforcement of our laws on reserve.”
The Nation said they hope this new role can serve as a model for other First Nations across Canada.
