Minister Mandy Gull-Masty, BA 06, BA 08, returned to campus to share her perspective on the enduring impacts and future of the Indian Act during the event "The Indian Act – Today and Tomorrow".
Concordia students had a rare opportunity to engage directly with federal leadership and Indigenous voices during a public conversation marking 150 years since the passage of the Indian Act.
Titled “The Indian Act – Today and Tomorrow,” the event brought together the Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty, BA 06, BA 08, Canada’s Minister of Indigenous Services and a Concordia alumna, alongside Ghislain Picard, former Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador, and Joe Deom, a respected Elder from the Kahnawà:ke Longhouse. The discussion was moderated by Emanuel Lowi, professor of First Peoples Studies.
Held on the symbolic anniversary of the Indian Act’s adoption in 1876, the conversation examined the Act’s ongoing impacts and future, emphasizing that the milestone is not one to celebrate, but rather to reflect on.
Gull-Masty, who represents Abitibi-Baie-James-Nunavik-Eeyou, shared insights from within government, offering students her perspective on current policy challenges. The minister’s presence also marked a homecoming: her two bachelor’s degrees — one in political science and the other in public policy — were both earned at Concordia.
Tionekahten Zachary, a Concordia student, described the event as “a wonderful opportunity to interact with three exceptional guests representing different Indigenous experiences.” He noted that hearing contrasting perspectives on the Indian Act was “incredibly educational,” adding that engaging directly with a sitting minister provided valuable context on the federal government’s approach to Indigenous issues.
For Lowi, the event highlighted the strength of the university’s connections.
“It is especially gratifying to know that Concordia’s First Peoples Studies program has a friend – and an alum – in the Honourable Minister,” he said, highlighting Gull-Masty’s continued engagement with students.
The conversation concluded with a discussion period, where students raised questions about reconciliation, governance and the path forward — topics that remain as urgent today as they were 150 years ago.
Learn more about the First Peoples Studies program at Concordia.