“First Native American justice sworn into state Supreme Court”

• From the Office of Gov. Jay Inslee:

“Justice Raquel Montoya-Lewis is the newest member of, and is the first Native American justice appointed to, Washington’s highest court.

“‘When we announced this appointment in December, Judge Montoya-Lewis said she has stood up to people – since high school – who unfairly claimed that her success was merely based on her heritage instead of her drive, hard work, and intelligence,’ Inslee said. ‘Let’s put that to rest today as she becomes Justice Raquel Montoya-Lewis. She is here because she’s the best person for the job.

[Justice Raquel Montoya-Lewis is an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Isleta and a descendant of the Pueblo of Laguna Indian tribes. Read more]

“Justice Debra Stephens, a native of Spokane, was also sworn in as the new chief justice of the court.” Read more