We are delighted to announce that Jade Pictou is the 2024 recipient of the Society’s Award for Mi’kmaq & Indigenous Peoples Excellence in the Legal Profession (AMIE). The AMIE recognizes outstanding Mi’kmaq and Indigenous lawyers within Nova Scotia who have contributed to their community, their Nation, the legal profession and the Society.
More information about AMIE.
Jade Pictou, an accomplished Mi’kmaq Lawyer, works for the Public Prosecution Service of Canada on the agent supervision team where she supervises legal agents throughout the Atlantic provinces by providing support in complex legal situations and completing complex legal prosecutions. She was also the Acting Deputy Chief Federal Prosecutor for the Atlantic region for six months, ending in January 2025, where she provided essential legal support to the Chief Federal Prosecutor, provided support on matters of national security, constitutional litigation and complex cases, financial management, supervised litigation and assisted in the management of federal prosecutors, paralegals and support staff.
Earlier in her career, Jade worked as criminal defence counsel with MacKillop Pictou Law Group Inc. Throughout her practice, Jade has volunteered with numerous community organizations, executive search committees, and volunteered her time to share knowledge of race and the law by being a speaker/panelist at many conferences. She has been committed to advancing justice and promoting the inclusion of Indigenous perspectives within the legal system.
Jade’s current community involvement includes the National Indigenous Council for Employees with PPSC, the regional EDIA Committee with PPSC, the Judicial Advisory Committee of Nova Scotia, the Board of Directors for the Lawyers Insurance Association of Nova Scotia and the Community Advisory Committee for Dalhousie Pro Bono. Her past community involvement includes being a member for the Board of Director’s for Nova Scotia Legal Aid and Alcare Place, the Board of Trustees for the Elizabeth Fry Society of Mainland Nova Scotia and Dalhousie Legal Aid Service. She is also a former member of the Race and Equity Committee and the Criminal Law Professional Standards Committee with the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society.
Her advocacy has been instrumental to equitable policies, acknowledgement of systemic discrimination, and fostering inclusive environments. Jade’s tireless efforts have earned her respect and admiration from colleagues and community members alike. Jade holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Juris Doctor from Dalhousie University and the Schulich School of Law, 2016.
Jade’s steadfast advocacy for Nova Scotia’s most vulnerable citizens is an example of why it is so important to have Indigenous representation. Her devotion to her community and her Indigeneity has not changed and she is a pioneer for her people in a space that has very few Indigenous voices.
Jade’s contributions have resulted in lasting, generational change for Black, Indigenous, and other racialized people connected to the legal profession.
Jade is truly one of the shining examples of Nova Scotia’s bar. She is a lawyer for all Nova Scotians. She exemplifies the best of what our profession can achieve and what Nova Scotians deserve.
- AMIE nominators