Intergovernmental Meeting between Northwest Territory Métis Nation and the Government of the Northwest Territories

Press Release

Hay River, NT (May 6, 2025) – President Garry Bailey, Secretary-Treasurer Betty Villebrun, President Trevor Beck, and President Allan Heron met with Premier R.J. Simpson, Deputy Premier Caroline Wawzonek, Minister Vince McKay, Minister Lucy Kuptana, Minister Lesa Semmler, Minister Caitlin Cleveland and Minister Jay Macdonald on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 in Hay River, NT

The meeting focused on continuing to share information and perspectives between the two governments, particularly on;

⦁ continuing work on approach to managing camps and cabins on public lands that support harvesting rights and cultural practices;

⦁ addressing the challenges of Indigenous recruitment and retention within the public service requires a multifaceted approach that includes improving education, enhancing cultural competency, and implementing supportive policies and programs;

⦁ enhancing the inclusion of NWT Indigenous businesses and individuals more effectively in GNWT procurement policies;

⦁ moving forward with discussions on transfers of land to the NWTMN upon application to provide benefits for all community members and promoting the provision of needed housing projects.

⦁ discussions around crime reduction and prevention as a key priority for the GNWT and a complex issue requiring community support and involvement. The GNWT will work with the RCMP and the Northwest Territory Métis Nation to address policing priorities in Northwest Territory Métis Nation communities. Efforts will continue to be undertaken to enhance policing responses to target and disrupt the availability of illicit drugs to ensure the safety of all NWT residents.

Quick Facts

⦁ The Intergovernmental Memorandum of Understanding recognizes the importance of the government-to-government relationship between the Northwest Territory Métis Nation and the Government of the Northwest Territories.

⦁ The agreement commits both governments to meet twice per year.

⦁ The Memorandum of Understanding between the Northwest Territory Métis Nation and the GNWT was initially signed in November 2012 and was renewed in December 2017 and in April 2022 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 Garry Bailey
Northwest Territory Métis Nation
867-621-2767 – Cell

ILR5