JP Resident Becomes First Native American Judge in Mass.

Jamaica Plain resident Debra Shopteese became the first Native American justice to sit on the Massachusetts District Court after being sworn-in Sept. 21 alongside Peter Coyne, her colleague on the juvenile court.

“Those of you who know them know they’re the right people at the right posts at the right time,” said Gov. Deval Patrick to a hall packed with family, friends and officials at the John Adams Courthouse on Beacon Hill. 

Patrick, who in August nominated Shopteese for the position of associate circuit justice, called her “eminently suited” for the role with the Massachusetts District Court.

Shopteese, who grew up in Kansas before attending Northeastern University School of Law and settling in Jamaica Plain, has spent 24 years serving the Committee for Public Counsel Services. Since 1999, she has acted as Attorney-in-Charge for the Roxbury Defenders Division and currently teaches criminal trial advocacy at Northeastern Law.

“These two judges will serve with distinction in the people’s court,” said Chief Justice Roderick Ireland, Shopteese’s mentor. “I offer my heartfelt congratulations to Debra and Peter.”

Noting the Native American on the Massachusetts flag, Shopteese said she hoped to draw from her heritage while working for the district court, promising to “look at each case as it comes.”

“Gov. Patrick honors myself, my family, my people and my nation — the Sac and Fox Nation,” Shopteese said after taking the oath of office.

The ceremony concluded with a song performed by the Teton Lodge Singers in recognition of Shopteese’s historic appointment.