KJIPUKTUK (HALIFAX, NS) – The Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society (NSBS) officially announced its new leadership for the coming year at its annual meeting on June 19, 2021.
Tuma Young QC, a member of Eskasoni and Malagawatch First Nation, will serve as the Society’s first Indigenous president in 2021-2022.
A trailblazer for his community and Nova Scotia’s legal profession, Tuma also made history in June 2001 when he was called to the Nova Scotia Bar as the first L’nu (Mi’kmaq) speaking lawyer in Nova Scotia.
“I am very privileged to be a member of the legal profession and I look forward to serving members and the public as President over the next year,” said Tuma Young. “I am aware of the significant place that the NSBS occupies in Nova Scotia’s society. Our work is to continue to ensure we regulate our profession in an ethical manner and for the public interest.”
After serving as an elected At-Large Council member both in 2015 and 2017, Tuma was appointed as the Society’s Second Vice-President in 2019 and continued in succession to become First Vice-President in 2020. He serves on various Society committees and is a dedicated member of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission Working Group.
“We are so pleased that Tuma is the Society’s 2021-2022 President,” said Jacqueline Mullenger, NSBS Executive Director. “Throughout his commitment on Council, he has dedicated a tremendous amount of his valued time, insight and expansive knowledge. I know he will continue to help the Society move forward and champion our key strategic initiatives.”
Tuma is a researcher and an assistant professor in Indigenous studies/political science at Cape Breton University (CBU). At CBU, Tuma also has a pro bono law clinic for students, staff and community members where he provides free initial advice and, if necessary, referrals to outside lawyers.
“I am so thrilled to see Tuma Young take on this leadership role within the Nova Scotia Barrister’s Society,” said David C. Dingwall, CBU President and Vice-Chancellor. “Tuma brings great perspective to the table not only as an Indigenous lawyer, but as a strong community role model and advocate. His contributions to the field of law have been vast, and I have no doubt he will continue to strengthen and foster relationships for the purpose of education and growth within the Society.”
Tuma will serve on the Society’s Executive with Melanie Petrunia as First Vice-President and Mark Scott QC as Second Vice-President.
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