Law360 Canada (June 22, 2026, 12:45 PM EDT) -- On June 19, the Government of Manitoba appointed Judge Jerilee Ryle as the provincial court of Manitoba’s first associate chief judge of reconciliation.

“The creation of an associate chief judge of reconciliation marks a historic step toward building a court system that better reflects and respects Indigenous traditions, values and lived experiences,” said Justice Minister Matt Wiebe.

“Indigenous people continue to be significantly overrepresented in our justice system, and we know real progress requires listening, partnership and sustained leadership. This new role will help strengthen relationships with Indigenous nations, ensure Indigenous perspectives are reflected in court administration and support meaningful, long-term change in how justice is delivered in Manitoba,” he added in a statement.

According to a government release, the provincial court’s strategic plan focuses on “strengthening relationships with Indigenous nations and advancing reconciliation by building a court system that reflects Indigenous traditions, beliefs and lived experience.”

“The associate chief judge of reconciliation will lead that work,” the minister noted in the release.

The release also noted that Judge Ryle will be appointed as associate chief judge of reconciliation of the provincial court for a seven-year term, beginning on July 2.

“Ryle has served as a provincial court judge since May 1, 2025, and previously practised as a defence lawyer, senior Crown attorney and reconciliation lead for the Manitoba Prosecution Service. She is Anishinaabe, from Lake St. Martin First Nation and has been recognized for her work in equity, diversity and inclusion,” the release added.

Chief Judge Ryan Rolston of the provincial court of Manitoba said, “Judge Ryle brings deep experience and strong leadership to this role, along with a clear commitment to advancing reconciliation in our justice system.”

“As the first associate chief judge of reconciliation, she will play a key role in strengthening relationships with Indigenous nations and ensuring our courts better reflect Indigenous perspectives and values,” he added in a statement.

As required under the Provincial Court Act, the release noted, the justice minister “consulted with the chief judge about the appointment of an associate chief judge of reconciliation, and the chief judge sought expressions of interest from the court and made recommendations.”

“Ryle’s redesignation increases the number of associate chief judges in Manitoba to four from three, the minister noted, adding that the Manitoba government last appointed an additional associate chief judge in 2009,” the release concluded.

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