Mandy Gull-Mascy says that although King Charles made an oath when she assumed her new role as a minister of federal indigenous services, “work for people.”
The deputy and former head of Eeyou Istchee was appointed for the cabinet of Prime Minister Mark Carly this week. She is the indigenous cabinet prime minister to hold the portfolio to provide services for the first nations, Inuit and Métis.
Gull-Masty said he understands that the role he is assuming is a challenging job.
“Now I will work for all indigenous people throughout Canada. It is a very important but very difficult job, I know,” he said, speaking with CBC News in Cree.
Gull-Mascy’s husband and two of his children attended the oath ceremony earlier this week. She has had conversations about what her new role means not only for her but also for her family.
“[When I was first elected as Eeyou Istchee grand chief]I told my family that they were in service to the nation, “he recalled.
They have had a similar conversation about their new role, he said.
“We talked about that, I asked about it and told them: ‘You will also be in service to Canada, not just me, we are in this together,” said Gull-Mastey.
Gull-Masty feels emotional for being confident with this new role. She said she never thought she would advance in federal politics.
“I always thought it would be like my mother, I would be a secretary in the band’s office. That is what I thought I would do when I was older.
“I never thought I would be a great boss, or even sit next to the members of Parliament, or even become Minister of Indigenous Services,” said Gull-Masty.
She says that her experience as a former head of the US Istchee gives her confidence to embrace this new work with the same dedication.
“It is important for me to remember where I come and bring the same work ethics no matter where.”
Gull-Mascy said he received congratulations messages from the assembly of the first nations, the principle of Jordan, the Great Council of the CREE, as well as members of the community of all Eeyou Istchee.
“I have asked people, support, to work together and, most importantly, communicate together and keep me in their thoughts and prayers,” said Gull-Mastey.
‘Mandy’s appointment came at a very good time’
Norman A. Wapachee, who is now the great head of Eeyou Istchee, emphasizes the importance of indigenous representation at the federal level to promote better relations between leaders at all levels of government.
Wapachee assumed the position of Great Chief last month after Gull-Masty’s resignation. He is a former gull-masty colleague, but also a close friend.
“I’ve never met the past [Indigenous services] Minister, but I talked to Mandy this morning. Now I can say that this was my first meeting with the Minister of Indigenous Services, “Wapachee said.
Wapachee has the hope that Gull’s morale brings to the Ministry a new understanding of the realities of living in the communities of the North.
“When you look at the history of Canada, there are all these un native people in Parliament … They were from the core of society in the urban centers of the South, and the northern communities never had a voice in Ottawa,” Wapachee said.
“Mandy’s appointment came at a very good time. It is a critical moment for the nation believes why our agreements with Canada expire in 2028, and our negotiations will resume in 2026,” Wapachee said.
Looking towards the future, Wapachee wants to work to build relations with the federal government. He quotes ongoing discussions on a national marine conservation area and the land claims agreement in the US marine region.
“Those things will resume. So I’m happy for that,” Wapachee said.
Wapachee also says that Gull’s groin has a strong cultural competence, which allows him to connect with the communities in northern west of Canada. Your visionary leadership allows you to pursue long -term objectives while collaborating effectively, according to Wapachee.
“The Government of the Nation believes is next to her. We provide our full support. She will be a voice for our driving here,” Wapachee said.
Winschgaouf (CREE)7:56Mandy Gull Male talks about her swear ceremony and her new role as the new Minister of Indigenous Services
On Wednesday, May 14, 2025 was the first meeting of the new federal cabinet. Mandy Gull-Mastey participated in the meeting as Minister of Indigenous Services. We wanted to hear more about his swear ceremony and his new role as a minister. Sake with Mandy.
