Grand Chief of Quebec Cree to run as a Liberal in Nunavik

Mandy Gull-Masty, the Grand Chief of Cree Nation Government, is the Liberal candidate for Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik—Eeyou riding in the April 28 federal election.

Her acclamation as the party’s candidate for the Nunavik riding was announced in an online post Thursday by Terry Duguid, the party’s national campaign co-chair.

Gull-Masty put her name forward after the Grand Council adopted a resolution “requesting the Grand Chief to pursue the Liberal party nomination,” a news release from the Cree Nation Government said.

“Recognizing Grand Chief Gull-Masty’s leadership and capacity to bridge diverse perspectives and advance shared priorities, it was with great support and enthusiasm that the members of board/council support this resolution,” it said.

Gull-Masty will resign from her role as Grand Chief on Monday, with deputy Grand Chief Norman A. Wapachee assuming the responsibilities.

Gull-Masty was elected in 2021 for a four-year term as the Grand Chief of the organization responsible for promoting and protecting the interests of Quebec Cree. She was the first woman to assume the role.

Previously, she served as the organization’s deputy Grand Chief and vice-chairperson.

Gull-Masty is the third candidate to join the race in Nunavik, following incumbent Bloc Québécois MP Sylvie Bérubé and Conservative candidate Steve Corriveau, who previously ran in the riding in 2021.