Homage to Gerti Murdoch

The Cree-Quebec Judicial Advisory Committee and the Cree Nation Government Department of Justice and Correctional Services would like to express their condolences to the family of Gerti (Diamond) Murdoch, of the Cree Nation of Waskaganish, and to all who had the opportunity to work with her.

She was someone who made an impact in whatever she did. Whether it was mentoring others, building Cree-language programs, administrating schools, coordinating projects, chairing committees, representing her community or schools, sewing clothes for special occasions in people’s lives, or the many other activities she was involved in, she made a difference.

Her 35 years with the Cree School Board highlighted her passion for education and children. She was appointed a member of the Cree-Quebec Judicial Advisory Committee for the Cree Nation Government in 2007. In 2013, Gerti was appointed Chair of this Committee, and in 2013 took an active role in coordinating the Cree Justice Terminology project.

In the 1980s, Gerti was trained by the Quebec government to be one of the first Cree Justices of the Peace, and she sat on the committee to work with Quebec to look at possible Cree Justices of the Peace and Cree courts. She also worked locally on the Waskaganish Justice Committee.

She enjoyed her work in justice, and was respected for her contributions and wisdom. The committee and Cree Nation Government Department of Justice and Correctional Services express their appreciation to her family and community, and share the sense of loss of a great Cree woman leader. Her contributions locally and regionally will continue to provide a better environment for our children and citizens.