Early life and education
Anne K. McKeig was born in Minnesota and is an enrolled member of the White Earth Band of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota and a Juris Doctor from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1995.
Legal career
Following law school, McKeig worked as a staff attorney for the Minnesota Department of Human Services, focusing on child welfare and tribal law matters. She later served as counsel to the Minnesota Senate’s Committee on the Judiciary, advising on legislation affecting Native American communities and the state’s legal system.
Judicial appointments
Minnesota Court of Appeals – In 2013, Governor Mark Dayton appointed McKeig to the Minnesota Court of Appeals, where she served until 2016. During her tenure, she authored opinions on a range of civil and criminal matters.
Minnesota Supreme Court – On May 13 2016, Governor Dayton appointed McKeig to the Minnesota Supreme Court, succeeding Justice Randy R. Gustain. Her appointment made her the first Native American woman to serve on a state supreme court in the United States. She was retained by voters in the 2018 election.
Notable contributions
Justice McKeig is recognized for her expertise in tribal law and for bringing a perspective informed by her heritage to the Minnesota judiciary. She has participated in initiatives to improve access to justice for Indigenous peoples and has been involved in efforts to promote diversity within the legal profession.
Personal life
McKeig resides in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. She is active in community organizations that support Native American education and cultural preservation.
References
- Minnesota Judicial Branch, “Justice Anne K. McKeig,” official biography.
- “Governor Dayton appoints first Native American justice to Minnesota Supreme Court,” Star Tribune, May 13 2016.
- “Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Anne McKeig retains seat in 2018 election,” MinnPost, November 6 2018.
