Karen Crowshoe appointed judge for Provincial Court of Alberta

A Piikani woman who’s taught at Red Crow College and the University of Lethbridge has been named a judge in the Provincial Court of Alberta.

Karen Crowshoe earned her Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of British Columbia and became a member of the Alberta Bar in 1994. Her legal career has focused largely on providing counsel for First Nations governments and agencies on issues like treaty rights, specific claims, on-reserve business and economic development — as well as First Nations elections and governance.

Crowshoe also has extensive experience in the development of onreserve child welfare services and onreserve governance legislation. Her community work includes serving as a youth mentor with the United Way of Calgary, and as a board member for the Piikani Youth and Education Foundation.

As a representative of her community and supporter of First Nations initiatives in southern Alberta, she serves as a member of the Iron Shirt Culture and Heritage Society, committed to the preservation of Piikani culture and traditions.

As an instructor, Crowshoe has presented native studies courses at the U of L and Red Crow Community College.

“Karen Crowshoe’s legal background, experience and strong ties to her community make her an exceptional addition to the Provincial Court of Alberta,” says Marlin Schmidt, acting minister of justice and solicitor general, in a release.

“I believe she will serve Albertans well as a member of the judiciary.”

Crowshoe will sit as a provincial court judge of criminal cases in Calgary.

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