INDIGENOUS BAR ASSOCIATION CELEBRATES THE JUDICIAL APPOINTMENTS OF THE HONOURABLE JUDGES BRIAN DYBWAD AND CHRIS MONNIN
The Indigenous Bar Association (IBA) extends its heartfelt congratulations to the Honourable Judges Brian Dybwad and Chris Monnin on their appointments to the judiciary. These appointments mark significant step in advancing Indigenous representation within Canada’s legal system.
Judge Dybwad, a proud member of the Tsetault-Gitxsan, carries the hereditary Chief name Skawill, which translates to "big rock in the middle of the river".
Throughout his career, he has been a champion of access to justice, particularly for Indigenous communities and families. Between 2010 and 2018, Judge Dybwad maintained a private practice focused on criminal defence, family law, and child-protection matters. His dedication to serving vulnerable populations led him to the Parents Legal Centre in Campbell River, where he served as managing lawyer from 2018 to 2022. He continued this leadership in legal aid, holding managing lawyer positions at Legal Aid BC since July 2022.
Judge Christian Monnin, a citizen of the Manitoba Métis Federation, has built a distinguished career in litigation, commercial law, and regulatory matters. His extensive legal experience, particularly in dispute resolution and corporate governance, has made him a respected figure in the legal profession. His appointment to the judiciary is a critical step in ensuring that the legal system benefits from judges who possess a broad range of expertise, including knowledge of regulatory affairs, governance, and commercial litigation.
The appointments of Judges Dybwad and Monnin are significant and welcome steps in recognizing the invaluable contributions of Indigenous legal professionals within the judiciary. Their respective backgrounds—Judge Dybwad’s deep commitment to Indigenous legal traditions and community justice, and Judge Monnin’s extensive experience in litigation and governance—demonstrate the breadth of knowledge that Indigenous judges bring to the judiciary. Their presence on the bench will help shape a legal system that is more reflective of the diverse legal traditions and realities of Indigenous peoples across Canada.
IBA President Drew Lafond expressed his support for the appointment, stating:
"These judicial appointments reflect the strength, resilience, and leadership of Indigenous legal professionals in Canada. The IBA applauds these well-earned appointments and looks forward to seeing the positive impact of their work from the bench."
The IBA is the national non-profit organization representing Indigenous (First Nation, Métis, and Inuit) lawyers (practicing and non-practicing), judges, legal academics and scholars, articling clerks and law students, including graduate and post-graduate law students and paralegals in Canada. The IBA’s mandate includes, inter alia, advocating for the recognition of Indigenous laws, legal traditions, protocols and processes; promoting the reform of policies and laws affecting Indigenous peoples in Canada; and fostering public awareness within the legal community in respect of legal and social issues of concern to Indigenous peoples in Canada. For more information, please visit www.indigenousbar.ca.
