The president of the National Association of Friendship Centres is applauding the transfer of her organization from the Department of Heritage to the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development.
Vera Pawis Tabobondung says the move has been contemplated for many years now.
She sees the transfer as a sign Ottawa wants to develop a deeper relationship with her group.
Pawis Tabodondung also hopes the move gives her association more say over how policies affecting urban Aboriginal people are drawn up.
She adds her group also wants to play a key role in the development of a federal urban Aboriginal strategy.