The Law Foundation of Ontario is pleased to announce the appointment of Catherine Banning to its Board of Trustees.
Ms Banning is a lay Bencher of the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) and General Manager of Maawandoon Inc., a Fort William-based business specializing in Indigenous engagement, capacity and infrastructure development, First Nation governance policy, and procedure development. Previously, she worked within the financial services sector as Chief Credit Officer for a credit union where she managed property and commercial law files and adjudicated a $70-million loan portfolio.
A proud Nishnaabe-qwe band member of Fort William First Nation and lifetime resident of Northwestern Ontario, Ms Banning is the second-ever Indigenous lay Bencher in the LSO’s history. Lay Benchers are appointed by the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. They represent the public and do not require a law degree or training. She sits on the LSO’s Audit & Finance, Equity and Indigenous Affairs, and Tribunal committees.
“We’re very pleased to welcome Catherine to the Board,” said Linda Rothstein, the Foundation’s Chair. “Her work and her lived experience as an Nishnaabe-qwe person bring a critically important voice and perspective to the Foundation, and to our commitment to advancing access to justice with and for Indigenous peoples across Ontario.”
Ms Banning received the Ontario Credit Union Professional of the Year award and served the Friends of Chippewa Park, the Nor’West Community Health Centre, Fort William First Nation Remembrance Day Committee, and Credit Union Manager’s Association.
She replaces Paul M. Cooper, who was appointed to the Ontario Court of Justice in May 2021. As a Trustee, Justice Cooper brought innovative and concrete insights to the Foundation. The Board and staff thank Justice Cooper for his service.
