The King’s Counsel (KC) designation for 2025 is being awarded to 31 lawyers for making exceptional contributions to the legal profession in British Columbia. The KC designation is a provincial honour that recognizes contributions that strengthen the functioning and perception of the legal system. At any time, no more than 7% of practicing B.C. lawyers can have this designation.
This well-earned designation recognizes exceptional leadership, mentorship, and service to British Columbia’s legal profession and communities. The King’s Counsel title remains a proud tradition that honours excellence in the law.
Rosalie is general counsel to the Syilx Okanagan Nation Chief Executive Council and senior legal counsel to the Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA).
With a juris doctorate from the University of British Columbia and a master in business administration degree in Indigenous business and leadership from Simon Fraser University, Yazzie specializes in Indigenous rights, governance and transboundary negotiations.
Rosalie’s core convictions remain with upholding Syilx law, protocols, and legal orders endorsed by the Chief Executive Council, including ancestral burial repatriation, serving on Canada’s Columbia River Treaty negotiation team, and guiding the wisdom of fluent nsyilxcən language speakers in the development of the Syilx Okanagan Language and Family Declarations.
A committed mentor and legal educator, Yazzie chairs national conferences, lectures widely at institutions, including University of Victoria’s faculty of law and UBC Okanagan, and advances Indigenous legal orders and transformative governance.
“This reflects years of practice shaped by good mentorship, collaboration, and service. I’m grateful to my family — Cordell, Cam, and my mom — for their steady support and patience with the demands of this work. I also acknowledge my late grandfather, Lloyd Wilson, and my late uncle, Percy Casper. Their teachings and example continue to guide me.
I’m grateful to the Syilx Nation, and to our Chiefs and Elders who stand for our rights and carry our laws and responsibilities forward. The work I do is grounded in First Nations governance, Title and Rights, and our legal orders.
Thank you to Grand Chief Stewart Phillip for his mentorship and leadership over the years.
I am honoured to carry this work forward.” – Rosalie Wilson-Yazzie, KC
On behalf of the Chief Executive Council, as a member of the Syilx Okanagan Nation and as ONA Senior Legal Counsel, we would like to express our immense pride in your achievements. We commend you for your dedication, determination, and perseverance on behalf of our Nation. x̌ast asck̓ʷúl̓ (congratulations) on this esteemed honour, Rosalie.
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Rosalie Wilson-Yazzie KC Announcement