Montreal introduces first Indigenous affairs commissioner, Marie-Eve Bordeleau

Montreal officially presented its first commissioner of Indigenous affairs, Marie-Eve Bordeleau, on Friday.

Bordeleau, a lawyer who is Cree, says her job will be to guide the city administration toward reaching its goal of reconciliation with native peoples.

Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante says one of Bordeleau’s first duties will be to develop and implement a training program for city employees about the history and realities of the First Nations community.

Ghislain Picard, Chief of the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec, was on hand for the announcement and said Bordeleau’s appointment is extremely important.

He says there are about 150 Indigenous organizations in the city, which will have a direct liaison with City Hall due to Bordeleau’s hiring.