North Island Métis

North Island Métis is a registered non-profit organization. We were founded in November 1996 to represent the interests of Métis people residing on northern Vancouver Island, from Black Creek to Cape Scott. NIMA is a chartered community of the Métis Nation British Columbia.

Our mission is to give voice for Métis people. Our vision is to be recognized as an essential partner in all decision making that impacts Métis people.

Everything we do is rooted in and guided by our Itakosô Asamâ Niyanan (Values Nourish Us) framework, which was created by community, for community. Itakosô Asamâ Niyanan includes our core values of:

1. Bringing Métis people together in community. 2. Lifting up Métis people through service for all. 3. Providing enhanced care to those with the greatest need. 4. Enhancing the cultural knowledge of the Métis community. 5. Fostering good relations with the community at large. 6. Ensuring equity and inclusivity for all Métis people, regardless of their gender identity, expression, sexual diversity, ability, or socioeconomic background. 7. Cultivating a Métis community where every member thrives as part of a proud nation.

Our strategic goals for 2024 to 2029 are to create the framework to become a successful governance board, and to grow and strengthen our partnerships. We have six high level focus areas including capacity funding, housing, operational staff expansion, cultural gatherings, asserting NIMA as the local Métis hub for the region, and board governance training and framework.

North Island Métis operates on the traditional territories of the Kwakwaka’wakw, Coast Salish and Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations. Our office is located on the traditional territory of the Liǧʷiɫdax̌w and χʷɛmaɬkʷu First Nations.