Darcy Gray is the Executive Director of the Centre for First Nations Governance (CFNG) and a Mi’gmaq leader from Listuguj, in Gespe’gewa’gi, Mi’gma’gi. A former three-term Chief of the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government, Darcy brings extensive practical experience advancing inherent rights, Indigenous governance, and Nation rebuilding.
From 2016 to 2022, Darcy served as Chief of Listuguj, helping lead significant advances in governance, jurisdiction, and community development. During his leadership, Listuguj advanced community and land use planning and developed laws and policies in areas including fisheries, elections, housing, cannabis, and drinking water protection. Darcy was also a signatory to the Rights Reconciliation Agreement on Fisheries between Listuguj and Canada, which recognized Listuguj’s laws and authority in fisheries governance.
Darcy also brings nearly 15 years of experience in education, working both within Listuguj and in the New Brunswick provincial education system. This experience continues to inform his approach to leadership, community engagement, and building strong institutions that reflect First Nations priorities.
Now at CFNG, Darcy works nationally with First Nations advancing the transition from Indian Act administration toward governance grounded in their inherent rights. He brings the perspective of someone who has led this work within his own Nation, combining experience in elected leadership, Indigenous jurisdiction, intergovernmental relations, education, policy, and community engagement.
