By Chelsea Laskowski

Landmark induction of Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation member into PA Bar

Nov 2, 2013 | 8:59 AM

The induction ceremony for two lawyers into the Prince Albert Bar was at times emotional on Friday afternoon.

Cara-Faye A. Merasty’s long list of accomplishments was read off by Gordon Kirkby, who runs a local law office.

Merasty is a Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation (PBCN) member who grew up in Pelican Narrows.

She is the first woman from PBCN to graduate from the Prince Albert Bar, Kirkby pointed out.

He spoke of the difficulties she overcame to get where she is today, a catch in his throat forcing him to stop at one point.

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Merasty’s parents have both passed. She dedicated herself to her studies and showed other members of her community that anything is possible with hard work, he said.

A number of First Nations politicians were on hand for the ceremony, including Ron Michel of the Prince Albert Grand Council and Chief Peter Beatty from PBCN.

Paul Gregory McNeil was the second inductee into the Prince Albert Bar. George Combe, in his introduction, explained that McNeil came to the community from Nova Scotia.

Despite their different home communities, the common theme for the two lawyers was their willingness to represent minorities.

Combe said that McNeil’s contribution to lower-income clients and people with other issues was worth noticing.

The ceremony took place at the Court of Queen’s Bench.

Members of the Saskatchewan branch of the Canadian Bar Association, Law Society and Saskatchewan Trial Lawyers Association gave messages to the two lawyers.
They spoke of the support system available, both professionally and personally, through their organizations.

One piece of advice was for them to give back to society and do pro bono work.

claskowski@panow.com

On Twitter: @chelsealaskowsk