OTTAWA - Eleven Indigenous leaders from across the country have been named to the federal government's new Indigenous Peoples' Council, tasked with advising the new federal body working to fast-track major infrastructure projects.

The federal government says the council will work with Indigenous Peoples to integrate the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples into government decision-making on major projects.

Among the 11 leaders named to the council is Whitecap Dakota First Nation Chief Darcy Bear, who was invested into the Order of Canada last year for his work on economic development in First Nations.

Crystal Smith, the former chief of the Haisla Nation and board member of the First Nations LNG Alliance, was also named to the council.

Seven council members are

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