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The Cree Court is a court of the Provincial Court of Saskatchewan that travels to Pelican Narrows (Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation), Sandy Bay (Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation), Whitefish First Nation and Ahtahkakoop First Nation. The Cree Court holds court in a blend of English and Cree. The judge, court clerks and courtworkers all speak Cree and the Legal Aid lawyer and Prosecutor may also speak at least some Cree.
The Cree Court is known for its focus on communication, switching between English and Cree as necessary, but also for its deep understanding of the communities it serves, its focus on community-based solutions and the incorporation of Indigenous values and principles into its sentences.
Judges Morin and McAuley
The Honourable Gerald Morin, the first Cree-speaking Provincial Court judge in Saskatchewan, was named to the Order of Canada in 2023. Judge Morin played a leading role in creating the Cree Court and was its first judge. Judge Morin (now retired) is a member of Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation and grew up in the community of Cumberland House.
The Honourable Judge Mary McAuley is now the presiding judge of the Cree Court. Judge McAuely is Métis and is also originally from Cumberland House.
"It's more than language. It's a culture. It's our history. It's being able to discuss, in court, our way of life and use our language as a means of achievement."
