Indigenous leaders welcome new PM, remind government of work still to be done

The swearing-in of a new prime minister and a streamlined cabinet took place on Friday, with Indigenous community ministers Gary Anandasangaree and Patty Hajdu retaining their positions. Anandasangaree now holds the additional roles of justice minister and attorney general. Indigenous groups across the nation applauded Prime Minister Mark Carney but emphasized the importance of collaboration to address funding gaps, improve services, and confront challenges posed by the Trump administration.

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak expressed the priority of ensuring First Nations’ inclusion in Team Canada in the fight against new forms of United States colonialism. Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami highlighted the necessity of working with Inuit communities to safeguard the North and pursue equitable policies.

Despite the general congratulations for the new government, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) expressed disappointment in Indigenous Services Canada and called for a change in leadership. Grand Chief Garrison Settee criticized the previous administration for neglecting their mandate and leaving a broken Jordan’s Principle. MKO advocated for a new approach to address the needs of Indigenous children in a news conference in Winnipeg.

With an upcoming election, Indigenous leaders are looking to the new government to continue the progress initiated by the previous administration. Woodhouse Nepinak emphasized the importance of implementing the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the national inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, as well as upholding the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The issue of long-term drinking water advisories, with 33 still in effect, will be raised in discussions with Prime Minister Carney.

MKO called for improvements in how Jordan’s Principle is administered, citing past failures to fulfill commitments. The Métis Nation Council urged the government to prioritize healthcare access, emergency preparedness in Métis communities, and solutions for the housing crisis. President Victoria Pruden emphasized the continuation of the government’s commitment to the Métis Nation’s self-determination efforts and the advancement of nation-to-nation relationships with Canada.