Intergovernmental Meeting between North Slave Métis Alliance and the Government of the Northwest Territories
Press Release
Yellowknife, NT (December 3, 2025) – President Marc Whitford, Vice-President Alan Harman Jr., Treasurer Robert Mercredi, Director Taylin Gibeault, and Director Stefany Bulmer met with Premier R.J. Simpson, Deputy Premier Caroline Wawzonek, Minister Lesa Semmler, Minister Vince McKay, and Minister Jay Macdonald on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 in Yellowknife, NT.
The North Slave Métis Alliance (NSMA) and Government of Northwest Territories signed the Cooperation Agreement between the North Slave Métis Alliance and the Government of the Northwest Territories, fostering collaboration and strengthening working relations.
The inaugural meeting under this agreement focused on continuing to share information and perspectives between the two governments, particularly on:
⦁ acknowledgement of the Aboriginal rights of Métis, including NSMA members, in the NWT;
⦁ confirmation of an ongoing relationship based on mutual respect, recognition, responsibility and reconciliation;
⦁ NSMA interest in engagement on projects of national interest; and
⦁ collaboration to address mental health and addictions issues including building awareness of public health issues, campaigns, and messaging.
Quick Facts
⦁ The Cooperation Agreement represents a joint commitment by the NSMA and the GNWT to formalize their relationship and work together on the basis of mutual respect and responsibility to make progress on matters of mutual interest.
⦁ The Cooperation Agreement commits the NSMA and GNWT to meet at least once per year.
⦁ The Cooperation Agreement between the North Slave Métis Alliance and the GNWT was initially signed on August 28, 2025 for a four-year term.
For more information, contact:
Department of Executive and Indigenous Affairs,
Public Affairs and Communications
Government of the Northwest Territories
EIA_FINComms@gov.nt.ca
President Marc Whitford
North Slave Métis Alliance
mgwhitford@northwestel.net
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