Meet your new Indian Affairs Minister
It’s official:
John Duncan has replaced Chuck Strahl as Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC).
Duncan had previously served as Strahl’s parliamentary secretary at INAC.
Strahl – who many had believed was going to be the new Government House Leader – has taken over John Baird’s spot as Minister of Transport (who in turn has taken over as Government House Leader).
Inuit Tapririit Kanatami (ITK) leader Mary Simon issued a press release congratulating the new Minister, but there has so far been no reaction from the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) or other leaders.
UPDATE: AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo has issued a press release, welcoming the new INAC Minister:
“I extend an invitation for us to meet as soon as possible to begin setting out an agenda aimed at building stronger First Nations and a stronger Canada.”
Great. Another white dude without a hot clue on how to deal with the myriad of issues facing First Nations, Inuit and Metis who are struggling with the legacy of colonization. And a conservative one at that. He's not going to do anything because I predict this government falls in November.
I'm curious whether folks think an 'Indian' (or a Metis or Inuit MP) should run the Indian Affairs department. Has that ever happened federally?
Close but no cigar.
Leonard Marchard was parliamentary secretary to Minister of Indian & Northern Affairs Jean Chretien in 1974.
Bit of history: The Department of Indian & Northern Affairs began in 1966, prior to that (1950-1964) Indian Affairs was a part of Citizen & Immigration. Prior to that, (1936-1950) it was rolled in with the Interior & Mines, aaaaaaaaand prior to that (1878-1936) there were Superintendents-General of Indian Affairs.
Fascinating, isn't it?