Yellowknife (Feb 13/06) - The Assembly of First Nations has no problem with Prime Minister Stephen Harper's choice of minister for Indian Affairs says regional vice-chief, Bill Erasmus.

Jim Prentice, the MP for Calgary North Centre, was named minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development by Prime Minister Harper last Monday.

As a Conservative MP prior to last month's federal election, Prentice served as the party's critic for the portfolio. He also served as commissioner for the Indian Claims Commission for 10 years.

"He's probably the best person (Harper) had to choose from," said Erasmus.

"He knows First Nations issues, and he's from Alberta which isn't that far away from us."

Erasmus said aboriginal issues aren't high on the new government's priority list, but hopes Prentice will provide a good working relationship between the government and the assembly.

Aboriginal groups worry that the Kelowna Accord signed by Paul Martin's Liberal government with First Nations last fall could be in jeopardy now that the Conservatives are in power, who have said they may re-visit it.

The deal offers $5 billion over five years to improve the lives of aboriginal people.

"I think the fact that (the Conservatives) are in a minority government helps us," said Erasmus.

"I know the Liberals will be very strong on the accord. The NDP and the Bloc (Quebecois) said they would support us, so I think that's the way to keep (the Conservatives) in check."