‘I work for the people,’ says Mandy Gull-Masty, Canada’s new Indigenous Services minister [Video]

Mandy Gull-Masty says even though she swore an oath to King Charles when she took on her new role as federal Indigenous Services minister, “I work for the people.”

The MP and former grand chief of Eeyou Istchee was appointed to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s cabinet this week. She is the first Indigenous cabinet minister to hold the portfolio responsible for providing services for First Nations, Inuit and Métis. 

Gull-Masty said she understands that the role she’s taking on is a challenging job. 

“Now I will work for all Indigenous people across Canada. It’s very important but very difficult work, I know that already,” she said, speaking to CBC News in Cree.

Gull-Masty’s husband and two of her children attended the swearing-in ceremony earlier this week. She’s had conversations about what her new role means not only for her but also her family. 

“[When I was first elected as Eeyou Istchee grand chief], I told my family that …