NWT Mtis Nation seeks funding to complete membership list

The NWT MtisNation has requested federal dollars to help complete and confirm a list of its membership information that could help determine the size of its land claim.

• NWT Mtis Nation has spent $30M and counting negotiating its land claim

Membership requirements include being an Indigenous personof Cree, Slavey or Chipewyan ancestry who resided in, used and occupied any part of the "Agreement Area" on or before December 31, 1921, or a descendant of such person.

That areaincludes the communities of Fort Resolution, Hay River, and Fort Smith.

GarryBailey, president of the NWT MtisNation, said there are about 2,000 names on the list so far. He said work on the list is about half complete.

Heexpects the final listto expand to at least 2,500 names.

"We have applied for a couple hundred thousanddollars to continue the work. And I think the commitment will be there after meeting with the federal government on these issues," Bailey said.

"We know who we are. We know where we are. We just got to make sure that everyone who applies fits that criteria."

Bailey said a genealogist has been hired to help work through those challenges.

He is also calling on the federal and territorial government to correlate any future land claim offers with the size of the NWT Mtis Nation's membership.

"The government has to show us a formula, which they have never done to date," Bailey said.

"For us, its seems like they have taken a number out of a hat and said here is your offer, take it or leave it.

"I think having a proper enumeration process would inform the table and they will be able to come up with a fair offer based on membership."

Bailey said the membership list should be completed no later than December.

He said no applicantsare being rejected at this stage ofthe process, however,questionable claims will be required to provide more documentation.

• Northwest Territories gov't promises new offers for outstanding land claims

Last week, the federal and territorial government promised to deliver a new offer to the NWT MtisNation by the middle of May.

Bailey is hopeful a final agreement can be completed within two years.