The Northwest Territory Métis Nation (NWTMN), the Federal Government of

Canada (Canada), and the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT)

have been negotiating a land and resources agreement for the Northwest

Territory Métis Nation (formerly the South Slave Métis Tribal Council) since 1996.

In early 2012, the Akaitcho Dene commenced litigation against Federal Canada

regarding Federal Canada’s duty to consult owed to the Akaitcho Dene, with

respect to the Northwest Territory Métis Nation’s land and resources agreement.

The North Slave Métis Alliance (NSMA) applied to become an Intervener in this

matter in January of 2015.

The Defendant Attorney General of Canada and NWTMN opposed the NSMA’s

motion. Canada and the NWTMN argued that “the NSMA is essentially seeking

to expand the action beyond what is really in issue, and broaden the inquiry into

matters that… are not relevant or germaine for the purposes of the within

proceeding” (from the Federal Court Docket).

On March 16, 2016, the Federal Court of Canada dismissed the application from

the North Slave Métis Alliance to intervene in the Akaitcho Territorial

Government’s litigation against Federal Canada.

Jake Heron, Chief Negotiator for the Northwest Territory Métis Nation, says,

“The Northwest Territory Métis Nation rightfully has the support of the

membership and community councils in representation of its indigenous Métis

members. The Federal Court of Canada recognizes this.

“This reinforces the legitimacy of the Northwest Territory Métis Nation, as the

representative body for indigenous Métis, to pursue a contemporary land and

resources claim.”

Garry Bailey,

President

Northwest Territory Métis Nation