Inuvik (Mar 14/03) - The Metis of the NWT just got a boost from the territorial government that will put them on par with other aboriginal groups here and make them the envy of Metis throughout the country.

Michael Miltenberger, a Metis and minister of health and social services announced last week that effective April 1 Metis health benefits will increase from 80 per cent to 100 per cent coverage.

Bernie MacNeil, president of the Inuvik Metis local, said the announcement comes as good news to the 400 people of mixed heritage here.

"It's a great thing and it finally shows some recognition from the Government of the Northwest Territories," MacNeil said.

"The Metis people have always felt like they were treated as a second-class aboriginal people."

Currently, the Metis health benefits cover 80 per cent of the cost to dental, optical, prescriptions and other health-related expenses.

"It's not a free-for-all," MacNeil said.

"You're restricted to one pair of glasses every two or three years."

Miltenberger's plan will bring the Metis health benefits package in line with the rest of aboriginal people -- an unprecedented move in Canada.

"There is no other Metis jurisdiction in Canada, outside the Northwest Territories, that has been recognized by a provincial or territorial government for health benefits," MacNeil said.

He says he has attended national Metis conferences in Canada and said the Metis in the South have fought for such recognition without any success.

"They look at us with envy," he said.

"It's quite an accomplishment for the Metis leaders here ... at least back when they were working together anyway."

The NWT no longer has a territorial office for the Metis, since there was some in-fighting over identification of the membership.

In September 1999, there was a dispute resulting over a resolution tabled at a membership meeting in Fort Simpson regarding Bill C-31.

"That was the final nail in the coffin," MacNeil said.

With settled land claims and the diverse regional and community-based interests, MacNeil said the Metis Nation and Dene Nation are now seen as somewhat redundant to their memberships.

Core funding now comes directly from the GNWT to each Metis local.

MacNeil says they notice very little difference in the change.

"Now we just get our payments a little faster."