A Historic Step Forward in Rebuilding the Michel Nation

We are pleased to share a significant development in the work to rebuild the Michel Nation -- one that generations of Michel descendants have worked toward.

Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) has completed its review of the Michel Callihoo Nation Society’s formal submission for band recognition under Section 17 of the Indian Act. The Minister of Indigenous Services has now directed departmental officials to begin working with MCNS toward an agreement for reinstatement of the Michel Band.

This represents a historic shift in the process.

Until now, much of our work has focused on establishing the case for recognition. We are now moving into negotiations with Canada toward the development of a proposed agreement and toward addressing the practical foundations required to re-establish the Band.

Those discussions are expected to include important matters such as governance and financial management, determining membership, developing an election code and planning for a future Band election. There will undoubtedly be other issues to work through as discussions progress.

There is still considerable work ahead, but what has changed is that, after decades of work, there is now a formal path forward with Canada toward a proposed agreement for reinstatement.

Throughout this next stage, MCNS will continue to keep descendants informed and engaged. Descendants will have important opportunities to understand the issues, provide input and, ultimately, consider and determine whether to ratify any proposed agreement.

This milestone belongs to Michel descendants. It reflects the determination of generations who refused to allow the Michel Nation to disappear, as well as the work undertaken in recent years to bring us to this point, including extensive historical, genealogical, legal, registration and governance work and the more than 1,600 Statements of Intent received from descendants.

This is a time for focus. We have reached a stage that generations of Michel descendants have worked toward, and there is important and complex work ahead. MCNS is the sole representative body involved in these formal discussions with Canada. Our energy and attention must remain on maintaining this momentum, working constructively with Canada, keeping descendants informed and involved, and advancing the decisions necessary to rebuild the Nation.

Above all, we must keep our shared objective at the centre of this process: restoring the Michel Band and building a strong future for Michel descendants. This is a time to look forward, stay engaged and keep the interests of Michel descendants and the future Nation at the centre of everything we do.

MCNS will discuss the development and next steps directly with descendants at its Treaty Pay Event (September 26, 2026, at the Holiday Inn & Conference Centre, 4445 Gateway Blvd, Edmonton). RSVP Here.

This is an important moment. There is much work still to do, but for the first time, that work is focused on negotiating a path toward reinstatement.

With respect and gratitude,

Michel Callihoo Nation Society

Board of Directors