Minister Gull-Masty: Matriarchy in Indigenous Leadership
In this episode of the Matriarch Movement podcast, host Shayla Oulette Stonechild speaks with the Honourable Mandy Gault-Masty, Canada's first Indigenous Minister of Indigenous Services. They discuss the importance of Indigenous leadership, the role of Indigenous Services Canada, and the challenges faced by Indigenous communities. The minister shares her personal journey to leadership, the significance of matriarchs in her life, and the need for holistic approaches to health and well-being for Indigenous women and girls.
The conversation also touches on the vision for Indigenous futurism and the importance of representation in all aspects of society, including policy-making. She offers advice for Indigenous youth aspiring to enter politics highlighting the importance of community engagement. Ahead of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, she discusses the need for healing, and the critical issues surrounding child welfare and Jordan's Principle.
More About Minister Gull-Masty
The Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty, member of the Cree Nation of Waswanipi, was elected as the Member of Parliament for Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik—Eeyou on April 28, 2025. On May 13, 2025, she was appointed Minister of Indigenous Services, becoming the first Indigenous person to hold this role.
Gull-Masty began her political career in 2014 when she was elected Deputy Chief of the Cree Nation of Waswanipi, where she held key portfolios including finance, housing, mining, and administration.
In 2017, she later served as the Deputy Grand Chief of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Nation Government, and in 2021, she made history as the first woman elected Grand Chief of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Nation Government representing the Cree people in Northern Quebec.
During her time as Grand Chief from 2021 to 2025, Minister Gull-Masty was recognized for her leadership in expanding protected lands, advancing moose conservation initiatives, revitalizing Cree language and culture, and promoting transparent governance and economic planning across the region and for promoting Indigenous women’s leadership.
As Minister of Indigenous Services, Gull Masty brings a wealth of experience in Indigenous governance, environmental stewardship, and community-led development.
https://www.canada.ca/en/government/ministers/mandy-gull-masty.html
https://www.instagram.com/mandygullmastymp/
https://www.instagram.com/mandyingaround/
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Find more about Matriarch Movement at https://matriarchmovement.ca/
This podcast is produced by Women in Media Network
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