Coast Salish Territory/Vancouver – The First Nations Summit is welcoming the appointment of John Duncan as the new federal Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and is pleased the responsibility for this critical portfolio will remain with a representative from British Columbia following today’s cabinet shuffle.
On June 15, 2010, Minister Duncan rose in the House of Commons and said “… if there is a single defining feature of our government’s approach to aboriginal issues, it is our determination to make a measurable and lasting difference in the lives and livelihoods of Canada’s aboriginal people.”
“John Duncan will now face the pressures of fulfilling his statement as the new Minister responsible and overcoming his reputation of someone who fights against Aboriginal title and rights. While we will work with him in his efforts, we will also hold him to task to ensure his government makes treaty negotiations in BC a top priority”, said Dan Smith, a member of the First Nations Summit Political Executive.