Mandy Gull-Masty says even though she swore an oath to King Charles when she took on her new role as federal Indigenous Services minister, “I work for the people.”
The MP and former grand chief of Eeyou Istchee was appointed to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s cabinet this week. She is the first Indigenous cabinet minister to hold the portfolio responsible for providing services for First Nations, Inuit and Métis.
Gull-Masty said she understands that the role she’s taking on is a challenging job.
“Now I will work for all Indigenous people across Canada. It’s very important but very difficult work, I know that already,” she said, speaking to CBC News in Cree.
Gull-Masty’s husband and two of her children attended the swearing-in ceremony earlier this week. She’s had conversations about what her new role means not only for her but also her family.
“[When I was first elected as Eeyou Istchee grand chief], I told my family that they were in service to the Cree Nation,” she recalled.
They’ve had a similar conversation about her new role, she said.
“We talked about it, I asked them about it, and told them, ‘you will be in service to Canada too, not only me — we are in this together,'” said Gull-Masty.
Gull-Masty feels emotional about being entrusted with this new role. She said she never thought she would work her way up into federal politics.
“I always thought I would be like my mom, I would be a secretary at the band office. That’s what I thought I would do when I got older.
“I never thought I would be grand chief, or even be able to sit alongside members of Parliament, or even become a minister of Indigenous services,” said Gull-Masty.
She says her experience as the former grand chief of Eeyou Istchee gives her the confidence to embrace this new job with the same dedication.
“It’s important to me to remember where I come from and bring that same work ethic no matter where I go.”
Gull-Masty said she’s received congratulatory messages from the Assembly of First Nations, Jordan’s Principle, the grand council of the Cree, as well as community members from across Eeyou Istchee.
“I’ve asked people for assistance, support, to work together, and most importantly, to communicate together, and keep me in your thoughts and prayers,” said Gull-Masty.
Norman A. Wapachee, who’s now the grand chief of Eeyou Istchee, emphasizes the importance of Indigenous representation at the federal level for fostering better relationships among leaders in all levels of government.
Wapachee took over as grand chief last month following Gull-Masty’s resignation. He is a former colleague of Gull-Masty, but also a close friend.
“I’ve never met the past [Indigenous services] minister, but I did speak to Mandy this morning. Now I can say that was my first meeting with the minister of Indigenous services,” said Wapachee.
Wapachee is hopeful that Gull-Masty will bring to the ministry a new understanding of the realities of living in northern communities.
“When you look at the history of Canada, there are all these non-native people in Parliament… They were from the core of society in the southern urban centres, and the northern communities never really had a voice in Ottawa,” said Wapachee.
“Mandy’s appointment came at a very good time. It’s a critical time for the Cree Nation because our agreements with Canada expire in 2028, and our negotiations will resume in 2026,” said Wapachee.
Looking ahead, Wapachee wants to work toward building relationships with the federal government. He cites ongoing discussions about a national marine conservation area, and the Eeyou marine region land claims agreement.
“Those things will resume. So I’m happy for that,” said Wapachee.
Wapachee also says that Gull-Masty has strong cultural competence, enabling her to connect with northern communities in Western Canada. Her visionary leadership allows her to pursue long-term goals while collaborating effectively, according to Wapachee.
“The Cree Nation government stands by her. We provide our full support. She’ll be a voice for our riding here,” said Wapachee.
