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

Press Release

Fort Smith, NT (April 24, 2026) – President Garry Bailey, Vice-President Paul Harrington, Secretary/Treasurer Betty Villebrun, Fort Resolution Métis Government President Arthur Beck, Hay River Métis Government Council Secretary/Treasurer Sheldon Whitlock, and Fort Smith Métis Council President Allan Heron met with Premier R.J. Simpson, Deputy Premier Caroline Wawzonek, Minister Caitlin Cleveland, Minister Jay Macdonald, and Minister Lesa Semmler on Thursday, April 23, 2026 in Fort Smith, NT.

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

⦁ modernizing and improving Medical Travel processes;

⦁ collaboration toward addressing cabin taxation issues;

⦁ status of the proposed Arctic Economic Security Corridor;

⦁ early learning and child care programs and funding;

⦁ planning in support of skills, training, and employment opportunities for Indigenous Métis and

⦁ review of GNWT programs for the use of Métis identification card to access GNWT programs

The Memorandum of Understanding between the Northwest Territory Métis Nation and the GNWT was renewed for a four year term.

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 previously renewed in December 2017 and April 2022.

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

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