This episode of the podcast explores how federalism interacts with Indigenous governance. Moderated by Danielle White, Assistant Deputy Minister of Strategic Policy and Partnerships and ISC Evaluation, the conversation features Darcy Gray, Former Chief of Listuguj Mi’gmaq First Nation; Catherine MacQuarrie, Fellow at Carleton University’s School of Public Policy & Administration; and Martin Papillon, Professor of the University of Montreal.

It starts with a brief history of how Indigenous people and their governance structures have fit within Canadian federalism and how this relationship has evolved. We discuss the role of public servants in policy impacting Indigenous Peoples and the lived experiences of Indigenous leaders having to navigate relationships with other orders of government.

This episode was recorded during an online event held by the Canada School of Public Service and is the fourth instalment of a partnership between the school and the IRPP’s Centre for Excellence.

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Ji Yoon Han
Ji Yoon Han is a research associate with the Centre of Excellence on the Canadian Federation of the Institute for Research on Public Policy. Previously, she held research positions at the C.D. Howe Institute, the Samuel Centre for Social Connectedness, and the G20 Research Group. She holds a master of public policy degree from the Hertie School in Berlin.
Danielle White
Danielle White is Assistant Deputy Minister, Strategic Policy and Partnerships at Indigenous Services Canada.
Darcy Gray
Darcy Gray was chief of Listuguj First Nation, north of Point-à-la-Croix in Quebec and an instructor at Cape Breton University’s in-community bachelor of arts Community Studies Program.
Catherine MacQuarrie
Catherine MacQuarrie is a fellow at Carleton University’s School of Public Policy and Administration. Her career comprises a range of experience and expertise — in media, public service and Indigenous governance.
Martin Papillon
Martin Papillon is a professor in political science at the Université de Montréal. His main research interests are federalism, citizenship and political membership in pluralist societies and the politics of Indigenous self-determination in Canada.

Related Center of Excellence Research

Federalism Structures and Relationships with Indigenous Peoples

By Ji Yoon Han, Danielle White, Darcy Gray, Catherine MacQuarrie and Martin Papillon February 16, 2023

Indigenous Self-Government in Yukon: Looking for Ways to Pass the Torch

By Gabrielle A. Slowey March 23, 2021