Indian and Northern Affairs Canada - Departmental Mandate

Departmental Mandate

Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) is responsible fulfilling federal government obligations and commitments to First Nations, Inuit and Métis, and for fulfilling the federal government's constitutional responsibilities in the North and on lands held in trust. AANDC delivers its programs through partnerships with Aboriginal communities and federal-provincial or federal-territorial agreements.

AANDC also works with urban Aboriginal people, Métis and Non-Status Indians (many of whom live in rural areas) through the Office of the Federal Interlocutor. AANDC also manages the resources and lands of federal lands, including land and subsurface leases and resource royalties.