The position of Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians was created in 1985 as a portfolio in the Canadian Cabinet. As the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development is officially responsible only for Status Indians and largely with those living on Indian reserves, the new position was created in order to provide a liaison between the federal government and Métis and non-status Aboriginal peoples, urban Aboriginals and their representatives. The minister and the Division of the Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians provides facilitation between these groups and a variety of government departments, not just the Department of Indian Affairs.
The current interlocutor is John Duncan, as a concurrent position while serving as the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development.
Past federal interlocutors include:
- Chuck Strahl (2006-2010)
- Denis Coderre (2003-2004)
- Ralph Goodale (1997-2003)
- Anne McLellan (1994-1997)
- Jim Edwards (1993)
Famous quotes containing the words federal and/or indians:
“I am willing to pledge myself that if the time should ever come that the voluntary agencies of the country together with the local and state governments are unable to find resources with which to prevent hunger and suffering ... I will ask the aid of every resource of the Federal Government.... I have the faith in the American people that such a day will not come.”
—Herbert Hoover (1874–1964)
“The Great Spirit, who made all things, made every thing for some use, and whatever use he designed anything for, that use it should always be put to. Now, when he made rum, he said “Let this be for the Indians to get drunk with,” and it must be so.”
—Native American elder. Quoted in Benjamin Franklin, Autobiography, ch. 8 (written 1771-1790, published 1868)