Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh, the Grand Chief of Treaty #3, welcomes the cabinet shuffle

Media Release

The Federal government announced the end of Indigenous and Northern Affairs of Canada and the creation of two Ministries in its place: Crown-Indigenous Relations & Northern Affairs and Indigenous Services. The Minsters responsible are Carolyn Bennett (former Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada) and Jane Philpott, (former Minister of Health), respectively.

In response to the announcement, Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh states, “the new changes will allow for a more efficient and effective delivery of service, as well as the implementation of many recommendations yet to be delivered.“ It is expected that dividing up the portfolio will result in a streamlined service delivery as well as an emphasis on treaty implementation.

This a good start towards fulfilling the commitments made by the Federal government. Ogichidaa confirms that “the realignment signifies the desire of the Federal government to prioritize Indigenous issues and make earnest efforts towards the actualization of promises made.”

“I look forward to working with our Treaty partners, Minister Philpott, of the newly created Indigenous Services, as well as furthering our relationship with Minister Bennett in her portfolio of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs.”

Grand Council Treaty #3 (GCT3) is the Traditional government of the Anishinaabe Nation in Treaty #3.