FSIN, MN-S react to new cabinet members

The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) and Métis Nation-Saskatchewan (MN-S) offered their take Wednesday on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s major cabinet shuffle.

A majority of portfolios changed hands, while seven others got brand-new ministers.

The executive of the FSIN and the MN-S both put out media releases welcoming the new ministers and offered messages of excitement for working with them.

The FSIN thanked outgoing cabinet ministers, specifically Justice Minister David Lametti and Mental Health and Addictions Minister Carolyn Bennett for their work over the years.

“We strongly encourage the new portfolio holders to carry on and complete the work that many First Nations have been advocating for under our Inherent and Treaty Rights, including health, Treaty land claims, housing, education, and participation in the Canadian economy, to name a few,” FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron said in a statement.

MN-S president Glen McCallum commented specifically about the new minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, Gary Anadasangaree.

“As a longtime Member of Parliament and former chair of the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs, I am confident that Minister Anadasangaree’s dedication and commitment to public service will undoubtedly serve as a driving force for continued positive change and progress for our Nation,” McCallum said in a statement.

The MN-S said it’s eager to work with the new minister, specifically about continuing the path to self-governance and settling the Île-à-la-Crosse residential school claim.

The MN-S also thanked previous Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Marc Miller as well as Bennett for their service.

980 CJME sent a request seeking comment from Premier Scott Moe about the cabinet shuffle, but hadn’t received a response by the time of publication.