Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians facts for kids

The Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians was a special job in the Canadian government. This person acted as a link, or "interlocutor," between the federal government and certain Indigenous groups. These groups included the Métis people and Indigenous people who were not considered "Status Indians." Many of these groups lived in rural areas or cities, not on reserves.

This role was created to help Indigenous people who were not covered by the main government department, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada. That department mostly worked with "Status Indians" living on reserves. In 2004, a new office called the Office of the Federal Interlocutor (OFI) was set up within Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada. It took over the staff and programs that helped Métis and Non-Status Indians.

By September 4, 2012, the work for Métis and Non-Status Indians was moved again. It went into another part of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada. This change was made to make managing programs and processes smoother.

Why the Role Was Created

The job of Federal Interlocutor started in 1985. This was during a time when there were important meetings about the Canadian Constitution and Indigenous rights. The main reason for creating the role was to help Indigenous people who were not included in the work of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada.

This department was mainly responsible for "Status Indians," especially those living on reserves. The government realized it needed a specific Minister to be the first point of contact for other Indigenous groups. This Minister would help these groups take part in the constitutional discussions. The job was given to a senior Minister, who also had other important roles.

How the Role Changed Over Time

For many years, the Federal Interlocutor worked separately from the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. But in 2004, the Interlocutor's job officially became part of the Minister's duties.

Over the years, the role grew bigger. It started to include:

• Working directly with national Métis and non-status Indian organizations.
• Helping off-reserve Indigenous groups and provinces work together on self-governance.
• Speaking up for Métis, non-status Indian, and urban Indigenous people within the government.

Also in 2004, the programs and staff that dealt with Aboriginal affairs were moved into the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. This department then created the Office of the Federal Interlocutor (OFI). This office was given the people, programs, and money to do the work.

On September 4, 2012, the work for Métis and Non-Status Indians was moved from the OFI. It became part of the Policy and Strategic Direction branch within Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada. This was done to make managing programs and business processes more efficient.

People Who Held the Role

Here is a list of the people who served as the Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians: