Minnesota swears in its first American Indian Supreme Court justice

Anne K. McKeig took the state’s judicial oath Thursday, becoming the first American Indian jurist to serve on the Minnesota Supreme Court after a swearing-in ceremony where friends and colleagues praised her wit, generosity and commitment to the welfare of children.

“We as a community have an obligation to work on behalf of all children, for it truly takes a village to raise a child,” McKeig said. “I will do my very best to serve all Minnesotans. I also promise to never take myself too seriously, nor forget who I am or where I came from.”

The swearing-in ceremony, held at McKeig’s alma mater, St. Catherine University in St. Paul, is a career milestone for the 49-year-old judge, who rose from poverty and other disadvantages in the tiny town of Federal Dam, near Leech Lake, to become the 94th associate justice on the state Supreme Court. A descendant of White Earth Nation, Mc­Keig has specialized in child protection and Indian welfare issues.

http://www.startribune.com/anne-k-mckeig-sworn-in-as-minnesota-supreme-court-justice/393636171/