North Slave Métis have Aboriginal rights, says Ottawa

The North Slave Métis Alliance (NSMA) has Aboriginal rights as affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, Ottawa has announced.

With this historic milestone, Canada and the NSMA can now engage in collaborative dialogue to clarify how these rights are implemented and exercised going forward.

At an announcement in Yellowknife on Saturday, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Rebecca Alty said the important milestone was decades in the making.

“It marks an acknowledgement of your deep and enduring connection to this land, and just as importantly, your role in shaping how we move forward at such a critical time for our territory and for our country,” she said, adding the actual decision in Ottawa to recognize the NSMA’s rights was made in mid-December.

“Moving forward, we will continue to work together to determine how those rights will be understood and exercised in a way that reflects your community’s history, culture and priorities.”

Alty said throughout the negotiation process, Ottawa will uphold its ‘duty to consult’ Constitutional obligations, requiring federal and provincial governments to engage with Indigenous groups when considering actions.

“(That, and) our obligations in existing treaties and self-government agreements,” stated Alty, also the NWT’s sole MP. “These commitments are foundational to how we move forward respectfully and in partnership, we will work to make sure your rights are not just respected and upheld, but that you have the tools and support you need to clarify the exercise of these rights.

“This moment reflects what becomes possible when listening leads to meaningful action. And I’d like to acknowledge that this recognition has been decades in the making.”

NSMA President Marc Whiford said since the alliance was formed as a non-profit in November 1996, the intent was to have a comprehensive claim process with the Crown.

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“And so, what do we want at the end of it? We’ll look to self government in some areas, and we’ll look ultimately downstream for other for other aspects. It’s not all going to come as one big bag of tricks from Santa coming down the chimney for us, that’s for sure, but nonetheless, we will take each piece and see if it fits and works for us and the Crown.

Whitford acknowledged the NSMA will have to work with other parties, such as the Tłı̨chǫ Government, Yellowknives Dene First Nation and everyone involved in the Akaitcho Process negotiations.

“We have to find a way to work together, there’s no doubt about it, we have Section 35 rights and so do they, and so do other groups,” he said.

“My whole thrust, and this whole thing, is to bring together all of us … and respect for each other’s rights where we sit. It’s not going to be easy, I can tell you that, but at the same time, it’s not hopeless either.”

Recognizing rights is the foundation of lasting, meaningful reconciliation, Ottawa stated in a release.

It creates the conditions for clear and constructive communication, respectful partnerships, and real progress and prosperity.

With this milestone, Canada and the North Slave Métis Alliance can now engage in collaborative dialogue to clarify how these rights are implemented and exercised going forward.

Saturday afternoon, NWT Premier R.J. Simpson issued a statement welcoming Canada’s recognition of the section 35 rights of the North Slave Métis.

“The GNWT remains committed to working constructively with the North Slave Métis Alliance, and with all Indigenous governments and organizations in the Northwest Territories. These relationships are complex, and they require care, respect, and continued engagement,” stated the Premier.

“The GNWT and the North Slave Métis Alliance have committed to working together in a manner that is grounded in mutual respect, recognition, responsibility, and reconciliation.

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“We may not agree on every issue, but we will continue to work together in good faith to strengthen relationships, improve decision-making, and support strong, healthy communities across the territory.”

North Slave Métis Alliance Vice-President Alan Harmon Jr, offered these words:

“This acknowledgement matters deeply. It affirms the truth of our history and the legitimacy of our community — a community that formed through kinship, trade, language, culture and a shared way of life rooted in its northern homeland. Our people are descendants of Métis families who’s built communities along the shores of waterways of Great Slave Lake. Yellowknife, N’dilo, Fort Resolution, Fort Providence, Old Fort Rae, and across the North Slave Region.

“We hunted, trapped, fished, guided, traded and helped build the North. We raised families here. We buried loved ones here. This is our home for generations. Our people worked to keep our identity alive, often without recognition. Our elders carried our stories, when few others would listen. Our leaders fought for recognition when few doors were open.

“Today, we honor their perseverance. Today also marks Canada’s recognition that the North Slave Métis Alliance has Aboriginal rights affirmed under Section 35 of the Constitution Act 1982. This recognition is extremely significant. Section 35 affirms the existing Aboriginal and treaty rights of Indigenous peoples of Canada.

“This is not the end of the journey. This is only a beginning of a new chapter. Recognition creates a foundation for a new relationship, one built on respect, partnership and meaningful dialog. It opens the door to work together to advance our shared priorities, including protecting our lands and waters, supporting our harvesters, strengthening our culture and language and creating opportunities for youth and future generations. We approach this next chapter in a spirit of cooperation.”

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