New Indigenous Services minister says she’s been handed the ‘toughest task’
- Mandy Gull-Masty was appointed Indigenous Services minister on May 14, 2025, becoming the first Indigenous person to lead the department in Ottawa.
- She assumed responsibility for key initiatives previously overseen by Patty Hajdu, focusing on improving First Nations child welfare, access to safe drinking water, and upgrading infrastructure.
- Mandy Gull-Masty, a Cree woman and former grand chief who led the political organization for thousands of Cree individuals in northern Quebec, has a deep personal understanding of the challenges faced by Indigenous communities.
- As an Indigenous individual stepping into this position, she recognized that the responsibility placed on her was exceptionally challenging, especially since she is the first Indigenous person to hold the role and is under intense public scrutiny.
- Her appointment signals a historic milestone but also presents a daunting responsibility amid slow government processes and high expectations for Indigenous services reform.
25 Articles
25 Articles

New Indigenous Services minister says she’s been handed the ‘toughest task’
OTTAWA - As the first Indigenous person ever to lead the federal department responsible for delivering services to First Nations, Inuit and Métis, Mandy Gull-Masty knows she has a daunting task ahead.

New Indigenous Services minister says she's been handed the 'toughest task'
OTTAWA — As the first Indigenous person ever to lead the federal department responsible for delivering services to First Nations, Inuit and Métis, Mandy Gull-Masty knows she has a daunting task ahead.
'I work for the people,' says Mandy Gull-Masty, Canada's new Indigenous Services minister
Mandy Gull-Masty, former grand chief of Eeyou Istchee, was appointed Canada's Indigenous Services minister this week. She is the first Indigenous cabinet minister to hold the portfolio responsible for providing services for First Nations, Inuit and Métis.
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