On Tuesday morning, Prime Minister Mark Carney shuffled his cabinet.
Gary Anandasangaree and Patty Hajdu were moved out as Ministers of the Indigenous Services and Crown-Indigenous Relations respectively.
Taking over is Mandy Gull-Masty, and MP from Iqalit, who will serve as Indigenous Services Minister.
Gull-Masty’s appointment is historic as she is the first Indigenous woman appointed to the role. She is also a former Grand Chief of the Grand Council of the Crees.
As for Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty, an MP out of Northwest Territories and former mayor of Yellowknife will take on the role.
The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations put out a statement following the new cabinet appointments saying they are a welcome sight.
“The appointment of these two accomplished women to lead key Indigenous portfolios signals a positive step forward for Prime Minister Carney’s government to advancing reconciliation and addressing the priorities of First Nations,” said FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron. “We look forward to establishing strong working relationships with both ministers as we collectively work to address the needs of our communities.”
In the meantime, the FSIN also thanked outgoing ministers Gary Anandasangaree and Patty Hajdu for their work in these roles.