Councillor Mitch Case Attends Historic Agreement Between Métis National Council and North West Territory Métis Nation

Huron–Superior Regional Métis Community Councillor Mitch Case recently attended the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Northwest Territory Métis Nation (NWTMN) and the Métis National Council (MNC) in Edmonton. Councillor Case participated in the event in his capacity as a member of the Métis National Council Board of Governors (BOG).

The agreement marks an important step in strengthening relationships between the Métis National Council and Métis governments in Canada’s North. The Northwest Territory Métis Nation has become the first Métis government in the three northern territories to establish a formal relationship with the MNC through this type of agreement.

The memorandum is intended to identify shared priorities and areas of collaboration, while helping ensure that the voices and perspectives of Métis communities in the North are heard in national discussions and federal decision-making processes in Ottawa.

Garry Bailey, President of the Northwest Territory Métis Nation, noted that the agreement will help bring a stronger northern perspective to the work of the Métis National Council. The Northwest Territory Métis Nation represents Métis citizens in the South Slave region, including the communities of Fort Resolution, Fort Smith, and Hay River, and is currently negotiating a land, resources, and self-government agreement with federal and territorial governments.

Métis National Council President Victoria Pruden described the agreement as an important moment for collaboration, emphasizing the shared goal of advancing Métis rights and improving access to programs and services for Métis citizens across the homeland.

Through the MOU, the two organizations will work together on a range of issues affecting Métis people, including areas such as health, the implementation of the Daniels decision, and improving access to federal supports and services.

Councillor Case’s participation reflects the role of the MNC Board of Governors in supporting dialogue and cooperation among Métis governments across the Métis homeland. The agreement also highlights the ongoing work of the Métis National Council to convene partners and strengthen relationships that advance the interests of Métis citizens.

The Northwest Territory Métis Nation and the Métis National Council have collaborated on various initiatives in the past, and discussions toward this agreement have been underway for several years. The two organizations plan to review the agreement in one year to determine next steps and opportunities for further cooperation.

The Huron–Superior Regional Métis Community is pleased to see continued efforts to build relationships, strengthen Métis governance, and ensure Métis voices are represented in national conversations that affect our people.