Eugene Creighton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Eugene Joseph Creighton
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Eugene Creighton, Q.C. (centre) at the Supreme Court of Canada with Gary Befus (right) and Ken McLeod (left)
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| Nationality | Blood Indian |
| Other names | Eugene Owns Many Horses |
| Occupation | Judge of the Provincial Court of Alberta |
| Known for | Aboriginal Law |
The Honourable Eugene Joseph Creighton is also known by his traditional name, Owns Many Horses. He is a proud member of the Blood Tribe, also called the Kainaiawa. This nation is a very important part of the larger Blackfoot Confederacy.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Eugene Creighton grew up on the Blood Reserve. From a young age, he started working to improve justice for Indigenous people. In 1980, he made history as the first Chairperson of the Blood Tribe Police Commission. This group helps guide the police force for his community.
Later, he went to law school at the University of Alberta. He became a lawyer in 1986, joining the Law Society of Alberta. He was one of the very first people from the Blood Tribe to become a lawyer. Eugene has always encouraged young people from his community to continue their education.
Working as an Indigenous Rights Lawyer
From 1986 to 1994, Eugene Creighton worked as a lawyer for the Blood Tribe. He helped his community with legal matters.
In 1994, he joined a law firm in Calgary. He became a partner in 1999, and the firm was later named Walsh Wilkins Creighton LLP. During his time there, Eugene helped many First Nations groups. He worked on important agreements and land claims, which are legal discussions about land and rights. He brought a special understanding to these cases because of his background.
Eugene also shared his knowledge by giving talks and workshops. He spoke about Indigenous issues at places like the University of Lethbridge and Red Crow Community College.
In 2003, Eugene appeared before the House of Commons in Canada. He spoke to the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs. He and another Blood Tribe member, Melanie Wells, explained ideas about how Indigenous communities could govern themselves.
Before he became a judge, Eugene was helping the Blood Tribe create its own justice system. He wanted to set up a special court on the Blood Reserve. This court would use a "Peace-Making" approach to solve problems.
Becoming a Judge
On April 6, 2009, Eugene Creighton was appointed as a Judge. He now serves in Her Majesty's Provincial Court of Alberta. He works in the Calgary Regional Criminal Division of the Provincial Court.
Awards and Recognition
Eugene Creighton has received several important honours:
- In 2005, he was named an Alberta Aboriginal Role Model.
- In 2007, he was appointed Queen's Counsel. This is a special title given to experienced lawyers.
- The Elders of the Blood Tribe gave him the name Owns Many Horses. This was to recognize his strong leadership and guidance for his community.
