A woman from Sheshatshiu has become the first Innu lawyer in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Jolene Ashini, who is already licensed in Ontario, was called to the bar last Monday, officially becoming a licensed lawyer in the province.

As the daughter of former Innu President Daniel Ashini, she says she grew up in “high conversations of injustice,” eventually leading to her desire to become a lawyer.

Ashini originally studied at Acadia University, where she graduated with a bachelor of science in geology. Two years later, she attended the University of Victoria where she enrolled in their indigenous law program that was established in 2018.

She always knew her career would lead her back to Labrador, so having her ceremony back home was essential for her.