Congratulation to Stacey Soldier on Historic Appointment

September 8, 2025

Indigenous Bar Association Congratulates Stacey Soldier on Historic Appointment as First Indigenous Female President of the Manitoba Bar Association

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Indigenous Bar Association in Canada (IBA) extends its heartfelt congratulations to Stacey Soldier on her appointment as the first Indigenous female President of the Manitoba Bar Association (MBA). This historic achievement marks a pivotal moment for Indigenous representation within the legal profession and serves as an inspiration for Indigenous lawyers, law students, and communities across the country.

“Stacey’s appointment is a groundbreaking moment not only for Manitoba but for the Canadian legal profession as a whole,” said Drew Lafond, President of the IBA. “Her leadership demonstrates the strength, resilience, and excellence of Indigenous lawyers and reaffirms that our voices and perspectives are essential to shaping a more inclusive and accountable justice system.”

The appointment carries special significance for Indigenous women in the legal profession, particularly in Manitoba, where the impacts of systemic barriers have long been felt.

“As a young Indigenous female lawyer, Stacey’s appointment gives me hope and encouragement,” said Melinda Moch, Co-Secretary of the IBA. “Stacey’s leadership shows Indigenous women in Manitoba, and across Canada, that they not only have a place within the legal profession, but that they can lead it.”

“This is a moment of pride, and a signal to the next generation that their voices matter, their contributions are needed, and their leadership is powerful,” adds Victoria Perrie, Co-Secretary of the IBA.

The IBA celebrates this milestone and looks forward to working alongside President Soldier and the MBA in advancing reconciliation, equity, and justice for Indigenous peoples within the legal system.

The IBA is the national non-profit organization representing Indigenous (First Nation, Métis, and Inuit) lawyers (practicing and non-practicing), judges, legal academics and scholars, articling clerks and law students, including graduate and post-graduate law students and paralegals in Canada. The IBA’s mandate includes, inter alia, advocating for the recognition of Indigenous laws, legal traditions, protocols and processes; promoting the reform of policies and regulations affecting Indigenous peoples in Canada; and fostering public awareness within the legal community in respect of legal and social issues of concern to Indigenous peoples in Canada. For more information, please visit www.indigenousbar.ca.