Washington Governor Jay Inslee has appointed Judge Raquel Montoya-Lewis as the first Native American justice of the state.
Montoya-Lewis has had a 20 year career in the judiciary, including five years as a superior court judge and in tribal courts. She has worked with tribal communities and so understands issues in tribal and rural communities. She has also worked to protect children from exploitation, and was given the Children’s Advocacy Center Community Leadership Award in 2018.
Governor Inslee commented, “Because Judge Montoya-Lewis is Native American, many will focus on the historic nature of this appointment, and it’s entirely appropriate to do so. But I want the record to show that Judge Montoya-Lewis is the kind of exceptional judge I want serving on the highest court in our state, because she is the best person for the job.”
Attorney General Bob Ferguson added, “Judge Montoya-Lewis is a respected jurist who will be a tremendous addition to the court. She also brings a unique perspective on issues facing rural and tribal communities, and I know she will serve our state well.”
The new justice, who takes office in January, is an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Isleta. She has served as a chief judge for the Nooksack Indian Tribe, Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, and Lummi Nation Tribal Court.
