It was formerly known as the House of Commons Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development.
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.