N.W.T. MP Rebecca Alty was sworn in today as the new minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations.
It’s been over 30 years since an N.W.T. MP has made it into the cabinet. Ethel Blondin-Andrew was the last N.W.T. MP to be appointed to cabinet, back in 1993. At that time, the riding was called Western Arctic.
MP Alty was sworn in to cabinet along with another MP from the North, Nunavik MP Mandy Gull-Masty, who was sworn in as the new minister of Indigenous Services.
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s 2025 federal cabinet includes 28 ministers and 10 secretaries of state. Some ministers are being shuffled to different positions while others are leaving to make room for 13 new cabinet members selected by the prime minister, who is originally from Fort Smith, N.W.T.
Dene Nation Chief George Mackenzie extended congratulations today to MP Alty and to the newly appointed members of the cabinet.
“We are pleased with the appointment of former Yellowknife Mayor Rebecca Alty as Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations. Her understanding of Northern issues and her commitment to the well-being of our communities make her a capable choice for this important role for the Dene and Indigenous Nations,” said Chief George Mackenzie in an announcement today.
Chief Mackenzie also commended the appointment of former Grand Chief Mandy Gull-Masty, elected in the northern Quebec riding of Abitibi-Baie-James-Nunavik-Eeyou, as Minister of Indigenous Services.
He also welcomed the selection of newly elected Northern Manitoba MP Rebecca Chartrand as Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs.
“The Dene Nation remains committed to advocating for the solutions and support that our Chiefs and communities require. We are optimistic that these new ministers, with their Indigenous backgrounds and experiences with Northern issues, will be strong partners in advancing the rights and interests of our peoples,” he said.
Chief Mackenzie, who is also the AFN Regional Chief, said he looks forward to working collaboratively with Minister Alty, along with Minsters Gull-Masty and Chartrand to ensure that the Dene Nation’s voices and concerns are heard and addressed.
“We expect them to be proactive in addressing the unique challenges and opportunities faced by our northern and Arctic communities. Together, we aim to build a future that respects and uplifts our Indigenous communities across the North,” said Chief Mackenzie.
This morning N.W.T. Premier R.J. Simpson sent out a message of congratulations to MP Rebecca Alty and to PM Carney on the swearing-in of his Cabinet.
Of MP Alty, Simpson said he looked forward to working with the minister to advance land claims and self-government agreements.
“A long-time Northerner and former Mayor of Yellowknife, Minister Alty brings valuable experience and a deep understanding of the Northwest Territories. I look forward to working with her to advance land claims and self-government agreements—essential foundations for reconciliation, economic growth, and long-term stability,” said Premier Simpson.
Premier Simpson also remarked that this cabinet reflects “Northern roots” and a “global perspective.”
Premier Simpson added that PM Carney’s leadership seems to show the “urgency and the opportunity of this moment.”
“This is a pivotal time for the Northwest Territories. The North has a leading role to play in building a stronger, more resilient Canada: through Arctic sovereignty, sustainable development, Indigenous partnership, and nation-building infrastructure. But success will require genuine collaboration and timely action.”
True North FM is following the story and will share more updates as they become available.
