Changes to health benefit 'a win' for N.W.T. Mtis

The president of the N.W.T. Mtis Nation is welcoming changes to the qualifying criteria to a territorial health benefit specifically for Mtis.

The Mtis Health Benefit provides eligible Indigenous Mtis access to a range of benefits like dental and medication coverage.

Under the previous eligibility criteria, Mtis first had to apply and be rejected for federal Indian Status before being eligible for the territorial program. That's no longer the case.

"A lot of us probably could become a treaty Indian," said Garry Bailey, president of the N.W.T. Mtis Nation. "But we identify as Mtis people. And under the United [Nations] Declaration, we have our right to self-identify."

Now, self-identifying Mtis who are either a member of an Indigenous government or of an Indigenous organization in the territory are eligible for the benefits.

"This change will support Indigenous governments' and organizations' role as the representative of their members in exercising self-determination," a release from the territorial government announcing the change reads.

'A win but it's only halfway there'

Bailey said the old policy meant a lot of members, especially children, were falling between the cracks and not getting any health benefits.

He said the new rules will stop the outflow of members to other Indigenous nations eligible for 100 per cent coverage under federal programs.

"We've lost them, they jumped ship," he said.

"You can't blame them. They need dental and eye care."

The new benefits will be funded by the territorial government, not the Non-Insured Health Benefits program that provides health coverage to eligible Inuit and First Nations residents.

Bailey said the territory really "stepped up to the plate" in ensuring Mtis can receive comparable coverage to other Indigenous groups.

"It's a win for us for sure, but it's only halfway there," he said.

Bailey said the next step is to ensure benefits cover 100 per cent of costs for eye care and medical equipment.

He is also still calling on the N.W.T. and federal government to implement the Daniels decision, which recognized Mtis as having Indian status under Canadian law.

Bailey said those looking to apply for the benefit and in need of assistance can reach out to him personally.