We have always viewed the Treaty as a peace and friendship agreement as there was no "meeting of the minds" on the concept of surrendering aboriginal rights and title to lands. The terms and obligations of the treaty (based on our understanding) continue to remain unfulfilled since the time of the signing of Treaty 11/Mackenzie District Metis Commission in 1921.

The Fort Providence Metis are members of the Deh Cho First Nations. With our past to motivate us, we continue to work towards finalizing renewed Lands and Governance Agreements with Canada for future generations of Deh Cho Dene and Metis.

History and Culture

Significant dates in the history of the Fort Providence Metis Community:

Pre-Confederation Period- Majority of the Dene lived a land based lifestyle. Metis in the Northwest Territories were involved in the fur trade and pursued a hunting, fishing, and gathering lifestyle.

1860's - Providence named as a mission site by Bishop Grandin. Settled by the family of Catherine and Joseph Bouvier and other Metis families who lived at the site of the present day Hamlet. Trading posts were also established in the settlement. Fort Providence which was founded by our Metis ancestors continues to be the "Home of the River People".

1867 Confederation - Post Confederation Period - Federal Northwest Mounted Police/RCMP presence in the Providence area.

1921 Treaty Eleven and the Mackenzie District Half-Breed Commission - Commissioner Henry Conroy and the Treaty party meet with the Dene and Metis in Fort Providence. Treaty 11 was signed and Scrip Process was put in place for Metis.

1950's - Majority of the Deh Gah Gotie Dene moved into the settlement.

1970's - Indian Act Bands become more active. Indian Brotherhood and Metis Association of the N.W.T. were established with membership from community organizations.

1980 - 1990 - Dene/Metis Land Claims Negotiations.

1990 - Present - Ongoing discussions on Lands and Governance in the Deh Cho Region.

Our Origin:

The "People of Mixed Blood" in the NWT are the offspring of three merging cultures, the Red River Metis, Euro-Canadian, and the Indian Tribes of the Northwest Territories. (Slavey Dene; Gwich'in, Chipewyan Dene, Dogrib Dene, and Cree)