The Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs was established by the then new Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (now
Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada), in 1968. Although the mandate has changed many times, it is current, as of the
43rd Parliament. The committee may study any issue of the department's management and operation, as well as any legislation, programs or policy areas. The department has taken responsibility primarily for on-reserve
registered First Nations people,
Inuit and
northern or
territorial affairs including considered legislation and issues related to these populations and subjects. The committee can also examine issues, policies and programs related to off-reserve registered and non-registered
First Nations people,
Métis, and
Inuit. and, as of 2004, the
Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs has been assigned the additional role of
Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians. ==Membership==