Native Leaders Welcome New Indian Affairs Minister

Native Leaders Welcome New Indian Affairs Minister

Friday, August 06, 2010 at 15:25

The chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations says he’s optimistic Canada’s new Indian Affairs minister will be up to the job.

Guy Lonechild points out John Duncan has already served as the parliamentary secretary for the department.

He hopes that means the learning curve for the new minister won’t be as steep.

Lonechild says both Duncan and outgoing minister Chuck Strahl are people he can work with.

Lonechild adds Duncan has spoken passionately about First Nations issues in the past, including education and the need to adopt the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn Atleo is also welcoming Duncan’s appointment.

Strahl is the country’s new Transport minister.