Aboriginal groups ready to give Keith Russell 'benefit of doubt'

A politician with a checkered track record with aboriginal groups is now the new minister of Labradorand Aboriginal Affairs, but aboriginal leaders say they are prepared to work with the MHA for Lake Melville.

Keith Russell was sworn in Tuesday during a cabinet shuffle by new Premier Paul Davis.

But I welcome the opportunity to work with Mr. Russell, to work out a better and more respectful relationship.-NunatuKavutpresident Todd Russell

He replaces Labrador West MHA Nick McGrath in the portfolio.

McGrath resigned from cabinet on Monday, following the release of a stinging report by the auditor-general into a March decision to release Humber Valley Paving from a major paving contract in Labrador.

Russell is the only other Progressive Conservative MHA from Labrador, and it came as no surprise that he would be named to the post.

His missteps in dealing with aboriginal groups over the years, however, raised some eyebrows.

In 2011, he was removed as a minister with the Nunatsiavut government for not doing his job.

Nunatsiavut is as a self-governing Inuit regional government.

A year later, Russell apologized after he offended the NunatuKavut when he dismissed some spiritual beliefssurrounding a piece of land as "mumbo jumbo."

NunatuKavut represents the more than 6,000 southern Inuit of Labrador.

Both aboriginal groups say they are putting Russell's controversial past behind them, and are ready to work with the new minister.

NunatuKavut president Todd Russell said the new minister perpetuated stereotypes with his "mumbo jumbo" comment, but noted he's ready to give him the "benefit of the doubt."

"He certainly said some unfortunate things in the past, some hurtful things... and that was not helpful.But I welcome the opportunity to work with Mr. Russell, to work out a better and more respectful relationship," said Russell.

Hockey outburst

Both groups say they want good relations with all ministers, not just Russell.

Nunatsiavut president Sarah Leo said she's ready to put the past in the past.

"We hope we will just continue moving us ahead with those files," said Leo.

Meanwhile, Keith Russell's behaviour in amateur sporting circles also made headlines in late 2012, when he was suspended for six games for an outburst at a minor hockey tournament in Labrador City.

The incident also prompted a rebuke from then-premier Kathy Dunderdale.

"I'm certainly not going to try and defend Mr. Russell's behaviour," Dunderdale said at the time. "It was inappropriate and it's completely unacceptable."

Inaninterview with CBC News Wednesday, the new minister acknowledged his past "miscues" and the fact he has apologized for them.

"I have no problem saying that I'm only human. I'm moving on and I invite people to move on with me," Russellsaid.

"I am truly respectful and deeply involved with our aboriginal people and I want them to know I'm going to do whatever it takes ... to make sure their issues are heard at the cabinet table."