Grand Chief congratulates new Indigenous minister on making history

The Grand Chief of Mushkegowuk Council has offered his congratulations to Mandy Gull-Masty, the Liberal MP for Abitibi—Baie-James-Nunavik—Eeyou who was appointed as minister of Indigenous Services Canada on Tuesday.

“This is a proud and historic moment for Indigenous people across the country, and one that provides more than a glimmer of hope in our future dealings with this government,” said Mushkegowuk Grand Chief Leo Friday.

Gull-Masty is the first Indigenous person chosen to lead the federal department responsible for providing services to First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities.

“She comes into that position with valuable experience as a former Grand Chief,” Friday pointed out.

Gull-Masty was the head of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee) prior to running for a seat in the House of Commons.

The first-time MP was elected late last month after beating Bloc Québécois MP Sylvie Bérubé, who had held the seat since 2019. Abitibi—Baie-James-Nunavik—Eeyou riding is located in northeastern Quebec.

Gull-Masty was named minister of Indigenous Services Canada by Prime Minister Mark Carney during the swearing-in ceremony held at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on Tuesday.