OTTAWA — The Métis National Council has signed an agreement with the Northwest Territory Métis Nation to boost collaboration between the two groups, which could lead the N.W.T. nation to join the national body on a permanent basis.
The agreement, signed this week in Edmonton, says the two groups will work to identify areas of shared interest, including the advancement of Métis rights in Ottawa and ensuring Métis governments are able to respond to “emerging opportunities and challenges.”
“This is a new relationship for the Northwest Territory Métis Nation, but it’s really geared in supporting each other in terms of political advocacy and helping to expand the voice of the Métis National Council,” Métis National Council president Victoria Pruden told The Canadian Press.
“It’s very exciting. It’s very encouraging.”
The agreement comes after years of turmoil within the Métis National Council and the departure of three provincial Métis governments which cut ties with the national body.
Métis governments in British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Manitoba quit the Métis National Council, saying it wasn’t advancing their causes and accusing it of allowing for a lax definition of Métis identity.
The Métis National Council is now comprised of just two Métis groups, in Alberta and Ontario.
First Nations leaders have questioned the legitimacy of the Métis Nation of Ontario, its membership and its continued participation in the Métis National Council after other provincial Métis groups raised concerns about it.
The Manitoba Métis Federation has asked how the national council can claim to be a voice for Métis across Canada without broad support.
First Nations in Ontario have alleged that six new communities recognized by the province and the Métis Nation of Ontario in 2017 infringe upon their territories and have no historical basis.
The Métis Nation of Ontario has consistently defended itself against those criticisms, saying First Nations in the province are attempting to discredit history.
Despite having only two provincial members, the Métis National Council is mentioned directly in federal legislation alongside the Assembly of First Nations and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, its First Nations and Inuit counterparts.
Northwest Territory Métis Nation president Garry Bailey said that despite the challenges with the Métis National Council, he still sees the value of working with the organization.
“The 2,800 people that I represent, we’re not getting enough attention,” he said.
“The Métis are a lot stronger when they’re united and not divided … Things can get better for sure, but I’m just doing this in the interim and hoping that it works out.”
He said he hopes the partnership with the Métis National Council will help his community access more health services, adding Métis are at a disadvantage compared to First Nations which have treaties with the Crown.
Bailey, who represents Métis from the South Slave region, said he’s also looking for more housing and education supports from the federal government, and to settle a long-standing land claim.
“I don’t want to bash the government but I’m obviously frustrated and we need to start getting them to move,” Bailey said.
Pruden said the Métis National Council sees itself as a convener between Métis governments and she’s looking forward to working with Bailey.
“The ancestors were definitely there with us at that signing around the leadership table, and it was certainly very encouraging for everyone present when Métis people come together for a positive and shared purpose,” she said.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 12, 2026.
Alessia Passafiume, The Canadian Press
