First Nations attorney wears regalia to law society ceremony


Christina Gray appeared on the CBC News Metro Morning radio program today. Photo from Twitter

Christina Gray is officially becoming an attorney in Ontario, Canada, today and will be wearing her First Nations regalia to mark the occasion.

Gray, who is from the Lax Kw'alaams First Nation in British Columbia, was initially told she couldn't wear a Tsimshian button blanket and cedar hat to the Law Society of Upper Canada ceremony in Toronto. But after she explained the significance -- the blanket represents tribal law -- the group changed its mind.

"I hope it sends a clear message to other First Nations students: you don't have to feel disconnected from your community and who you are," Gray told CBC News.

Gray was able to wear the regalia when she graduated from law school at the University of British Columbia in 2013. Her button blanket features a whale -- she is from the Killer Whale clan.

Get the Story:
First Nations law student gets OK to wear regalia to call to bar in Ontario (CBC 6/22)
Law student plans to wrap herself in First Nations heritage at graduation (The Globe and Mail 6/22)
Christina Gray To Wear First Nations Regalia To Ontario Bar Call (The Huffington Post 6/23)

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