The Manitoba government has appointed Judge Jerilee Ryle as the province’s first associate chief judge of reconciliation.

The new role is aimed at strengthening relationships with Indigenous nations and ensuring Indigenous perspectives, traditions and lived experiences are reflected in Manitoba’s provincial court system.

The announcement came just ahead of National Indigenous Peoples Day weekend.

Justice Minister Matt Wiebe says Indigenous people remain overrepresented in the justice system, and real progress requires listening, partnership and sustained leadership.

Ryle is Anishinaabe from Lake St. Martin First Nation, and her seven-year term begins July 2.