Fonds 354 - Metis Nation of the Northwest Territories fonds

Title and statement of responsibility area

Title proper

Metis Nation of the Northwest Territories fonds

General material designation

  • Multiple media

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Title notes

  • Source of title proper: Title based on creator.

Level of description

Fonds

Reference code

354

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Issuing jurisdiction and denomination (philatelic)

Dates of creation area

Date(s)

  • 1972-2000 (Creation)
    Creator
    Metis Nation

Physical description area

Physical description

980.7 cm, 11 8" floppy disks, and 58 3½" floppy disks of textual records
9 maps
ca. 4524 photographs
ca. 950 audio cassettes
ca. 200 videocassettes

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Archival description area

Name of creator

Administrative history

At the founding conference of the Native Council of Canada in March, 1972, sixteen Metis from the Northwest Territories established a steering committee with the aim of forming a Metis interest group in the Northwest Territories. The Metis Association of the Northwest Territories headquarters was established in Hay River in April, 1972. The Association's membership at that time numbered 7700. After a period of financial instability, the Metis Association moved to Yellowknife in late-1973 better able to meet its administrative and program requirements established at the first annual General Assembly held earlier that year. The original focus of the Association was on self-help programs at the community level, as well as the development of leadership among northern Metis. After the move to Yellowknife, the focus shifted to establishing Metis title to land and resources, gradually aligning themselves with the Indian Brotherhood of the NWT. Programs run by the Association helped to repair homes in the Western Arctic, raise awareness of drug and alcohol issues in the communities, and as part of its cultural program, produce a history of the Metis entitled "Our Metis Heritage" in 1976. At this time, the Metis Association also managed the health claims of its members. Although not negotiating land claims directly, the Metis Association provided administrative support to the Indian Brotherhood of the NWT and some of its members sat on the Joint Dene Land Claims Negotiating Committee alongside the Indian Brotherhood (later called the Dene Nation). In 1988, the Metis Heritage Association was formed from the existing Metis Association, handling cultural affairs of the Metis of the NWT. The Metis Association of the NWT changed its name to the Metis Nation in the early 1990s. The Metis Nation closed its Yellowknife head office in the summer of 2001.

Custodial history

Records donated by the Metis Nation immediately prior to the closure of headquarters office (Yellowknife).

Scope and content

This fonds includes records of the Metis Nation (formerly the Metis Association of the NWT) for the period 1974-2000. The records include 980.7 cm, 11 8" floppy disks, and 58 3½" floppy disks of textual records, 9 maps, and 24 photographs of processed records relating to the Metis Association and Metis Nation. The records are divided into six series: Governance, Locals, Chronos, Administration, Membership/Enumeration, and Projects.

Yet to be processed: There are 4500 photographs of Metis Nation staff and events in colour print, b/w print, colour slide and negative formats. Many of the photographs are b/w prints stamped as being from archival institutions, such as the National Archives. Audio recordings include 1800 audio cassettes of oral histories and recordings of the annual general assemblies. Videos include 200 VHS and Umatic format videocassettes with footage of annual general assembly as well as videos produced for the Metis Nation.

Notes area

Physical condition

Arrangement

Language of material

  • English

Script of material

  • Latin

Location of originals

Availability of other formats

Restrictions on access

Access restricted on certain parts of the fonds. See notes.

Terms governing use, reproduction, and publication

Finding aids

Box list available for unprocessed portion of the fonds. Hard-copy textual records described in database.

Associated materials

Accruals

No accruals are expected.

Rights

Copyright transferred to NWT Archives by donor.

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