Nationwide celebrates 2026 NAGDCA Leadership Recognition Award recipients

Nationwide congratulates the public-sector defined contribution plans recognized with 2026 National Association of Government Defined Contribution Administrators (NAGDCA) Leadership Recognition Awards for their innovative programs, projects and campaigns designed to improve retirement readiness and participant outcomes.

Government member nominations were accepted in five categories and evaluated by the 2026 Awards Committee based on originality, effectiveness and measurable results. This year’s recipients demonstrate how thoughtful plan design, personalized communications, technology and holistic financial wellness initiatives can help participants build greater financial security.

“These awards are highly respected within our industry and reflect the creativity, dedication and commitment our partners bring to helping participants achieve greater financial security,” said Kevin Jestice, president of Nationwide Retirement Solutions. “This recognition is made possible by the strong partnerships between our clients and the Nationwide teams who support them every day.”

2026 NAGDCA Leadership Recognition Award recipients

City of Phoenix — Everyday Plan Champions: Real City of Phoenix Stories Driving Retirement Readiness

The City of Phoenix Plan Champion Campaign uses real employees to bring the Deferred Compensation Plan to life. Five Plan Champions from different departments share how they use plan tools and education to pursue their goals and build retirement confidence. Their stories appear across the plan website, emails, digital monitors, posters and the City’s Financial Expo, where Champions engage directly with their peers.

Video viewership and attention rates, along with continued growth in plan assets, contributions and education usage, show how relatable employee voices can help participants better understand and use their retirement benefits.

County of Monterey — Automatic Enrollment for Every New Hire

County of Monterey leadership and labor partners introduced automatic enrollment for two bargaining groups, CEMA and SEIU, in response to concerns about long-term retirement readiness. The approach was designed to encourage new employees to take action while preserving choice, flexibility and participant protections. The County has experienced significant increases in new-hire participation in its 457(b) plan, particularly during employees’ first year.

State of California Savings Plus Program — 2025 Fund Mapping & Redesign

California Savings Plus modernized the investment foundation of one of the nation’s largest public-sector retirement programs through a two-phase fund mapping and redesign initiative. The program simplified investment choice, lowered costs and strengthened default outcomes while maintaining participant confidence throughout a multibillion-dollar transition.

The redesign affected more than 200,000 participants and over $14 billion in assets. It transitioned participants into institutionally priced target-date funds, introduced stable value options, reduced lineup complexity and delivered an estimated $10 million in annualized participant fee savings. The implementation was completed with zero mapping errors and stable service levels.

California Savings Plus was also selected as one of the top three finalists in the large plan category for the 2026 NAGDCA Art Caple President’s Award, which honors excellence in public sector defined contribution plans. Established in memory of past NAGDCA President Art Caple, the award celebrates visionary leadership and innovation that enhance participants’ financial well-being.

Nationwide Retirement Solutions is a business within Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company based in Columbus, Ohio, and one of the largest and strongest diversified financial services and insurance organizations in the United States.

Nationwide Retirement Solutions administers nearly 32,000 retirement plans, helping protect nearly $200 billion in participant assets and helping secure the financial futures of more than 2.7 million participants. Nationwide services the highest volume of governmental 457(b) plans and has demonstrated significant growth in the corporate 401(k) and not-for-profit 403(b) markets.

Nationwide is committed to serving the retirement industry by doing the right thing at the right time through better participant experiences, administrative simplicity and values that translate to service. Visit nrsforu.com for more information about the tools and services Nationwide provides to retirement plan participants.

Source: 2026 Award Winners — NAGDCA

NFM-25835AO

Press Releases

October 20, 2026

DOCOMO and NTT to Begin the World's First Demonstration of Coordinated Control of Workload Shifting and Energy Management at Radio Base Stations

— Aiming to maximize renewable energy use, help stabilize the power grid, and maintain communications services during disasters —

News Highlights:

- DOCOMO and NTT will begin the world's first demonstration of AI-coordinated control at radio base stations, in which workload shifting—the transfer of communications-processing loads between sites—is integrated with energy management for solar power generation and battery storage.

- This demonstration will evaluate this new technology in three scenarios: normal operations, periods of tight electricity supply and demand, and power outages. It will assess the potential to maximize renewable energy use, contribute to power-grid stability, and keep communications services running longer during outages.

- The two companies aim to help build sustainable, disaster-resilient social infrastructure for the 6G/IOWN era.

TOKYO, JAPAN, October 20, 2026 --- NTT DOCOMO, INC. and NTT, Inc. announced today that they have developed a technology that uses AI to optimally coordinate and control radio base station communications-processing workloads and the operation of distributed energy resources,*1 including solar power generation and storage batteries. The two companies will jointly begin a demonstration on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, to verify this new technology's effectiveness in increasing the use of renewable energy, supporting demand response (DR)*2 during periods of tight electricity supply and demand, and improving communications service continuity during disasters. This is the world's first demonstration at base stations using this technology.*3

In recent years, the spread of generative AI and other developments have accelerated society's digital transformation, and the electricity consumed by communications networks has been rising. At the same time, expanding the use of renewable energy to help achieve a decarbonized society and strengthening communications infrastructure to prepare for large-scale disasters are important social challenges. At conventional base stations, however, communications and power equipment have generally been controlled independently, primarily according to their respective operating conditions. As a result, it has been difficult to operate communications equipment in response to renewable energy generation under normal conditions, or to coordinate the use of limited power with the operations of communications equipment during outages caused by disasters and other events.

This demonstration will use workload shifting (WLS) technology,*4 which moves communications-processing workloads between base stations, together with DOCOMO's energy management system (EMS) platform,*5 which manages distributed energy resources such as solar power generation and storage batteries. Based on operating plans calculated by AI, NTT will control the communications load at each base station, while DOCOMO will control the storage batteries. This will enable the companies to coordinate and optimize communications and power equipment as an integrated system.

NTT will build a verification environment using open-source software (OSS)*6 to simulate the communications processing performed by a virtualized radio access network (vRAN). The environment will be connected to DOCOMO's base stations. Using this setup, DOCOMO and NTT will test WLS operations that take into account the status of distributed energy resources and assess the technology's effectiveness across all three scenarios: normal operations, periods of tight electricity supply and demand, and power outages.

This technology links workload shifts between sites with the charging and discharging of storage batteries. DOCOMO and NTT aim to increase renewable energy use and help stabilize the power grid through DR when electricity supply and demand are tight. This will enable base stations that handle communications processing to be switched flexibly in response to renewable energy generation, making effective use of renewable energy that was previously underutilized.

In particular, during DR, this technology will help ease pressure on electricity supply and demand by reducing power consumption at the participating site, both by discharging storage batteries and by shifting communications-processing workloads to other sites. During power outages caused by disasters and other events, workloads can be shifted to other sites to reduce power consumption at the affected site. This can extend the backup time provided by storage batteries and help maintain communications services longer.

DOCOMO and NTT plan to complete the demonstration by the end of December 2026 and evaluate this new technology's effectiveness. Going forward, the two companies will consider linking the technology with data centers and extending it to a wider range of energy resources. They aim to help build sustainable, disaster-resilient social infrastructure for the 6G/IOWN era.

DOCOMO and NTT will have a booth showcasing this initiative at NTT R&D FORUM 2026, which will be held at the NTT Musashino R&D Center on November 18 - 20 and November 24 - 25, 2026.

- Relatively small-scale energy resources installed in a distributed manner close to consumers, in contrast to large power plants. Examples include solar power generation and fuel cells. In this demonstration, the term covers these resources as well as storage batteries.

- A mechanism for maintaining the balance between electricity supply and demand by having users, such as businesses and households, adjust their electricity use, for example, by conserving energy, in response to supply-and-demand conditions.

- Based on research by DOCOMO and NTT as of October 20, 2026.

- A technology for moving computational workloads handled by servers and other systems distributed across multiple sites from one site to another in response to electricity supply-and-demand conditions and other factors.

- A system that uses information technology to optimally control and manage energy equipment, such as solar power generation and storage batteries.

- Software whose source code is publicly available and that anyone may freely modify and redistribute at no charge.

Appendix

Demonstration Overview

- 1. Objective

This demonstration will test an AI-based technology that coordinates the operation of communications and power equipment. It will assess the technology's ability to increase renewable energy use and support demand response (DR) during periods of tight electricity supply and demand, while helping maintain communications services during disasters.

- 2. Demonstration Details

The demonstration will be conducted in a test environment connecting a DOCOMO base station with an NTT R&D site. It will combine the transfer of communications-processing workloads between sites—known as workload shifting (WLS)—based on AI-generated operating plans, with the control of power equipment, including solar power systems and storage batteries, through DOCOMO's energy management system (EMS) platform. The demonstration will evaluate the following:

- Increasing renewable energy use: Storage batteries will be charged when solar power generation is high, while communications-processing workloads will be shifted to sites with surplus solar power. The demonstration will assess whether this can increase the use of renewable energy.

- Supporting demand response: The demonstration will assess how storage batteries can help ease pressure on the power grid when electricity supply and demand are tight. It will also examine whether coordinating workload shifts with battery recharging after a demand response event can prevent a new peak in power consumption.

- Maintaining communications service during power outages: During an outage, communications-processing workloads will be shifted to other sites to reduce power consumption at the affected site. The demonstration will assess whether this can extend the backup time provided by storage batteries and help keep communications services running longer.

- 3. Existing Challenges and How this New Technology Addresses Them

Challenges with Existing Technologies: Communications and power equipment have traditionally been operated independently, according to their respective requirements. This has made it difficult to:

- Make full use of surplus solar power, since power consumption by communications equipment cannot be adjusted flexibly.

- Avoid creating a new peak in power demand when storage batteries are recharged after a DR event.

- Maintain communications services for longer during a power outage, as communications-processing workloads cannot be shifted flexibly based on the storage battery status.

- Optimize the overall operation of communications and power equipment.

How this New Technology Works: The new technology coordinates the operation of communications and power equipment by combining three capabilities: NTT's reinforcement-learning-based model for optimizing operating plans; DOCOMO's AI- and mathematical optimization-based operational planning technology; and DOCOMO's EMS platform that controls power equipment. This coordinated approach enables the system to:

- Shift communications-processing workloads between sites based on renewable energy generation, while charging storage batteries.

- Coordinate workload shifting with storage-battery charging and discharging during demand response events.

- Shift communications-processing workloads to other sites during a power outage, based on the storage battery status, to reduce power consumption at the affected site.

By coordinating the operation of communications and power equipment, DOCOMO and NTT aim to increase renewable energy use, contribute to grid stability, and improve communications network resilience. Main Equipment Used in the Demonstration

- 4.

DOCOMO and NTT to Begin the World's First Demonstration of Coordinated Control of Workload Shifting and Energy Management at Radio Base Stations (PDF : 673KB) | Press Release | NTT

Microsoft ends support for Internet Explorer on June 16, 2022. We recommend using one of the browsers listed below.

Microsoft Edge（Latest version）

Mozilla Firefox（Latest version）

Google Chrome（Latest version）

Apple Safari（Latest version）

Please contact your browser provider for download and installation instructions.

DOCOMO and NTT to Begin the World's First Demonstration of Coordinated Control of Workload Shifting and Energy Management at Radio Base Stations (PDF : 673KB)

October 20, 2026

DOCOMO and NTT to Begin the World's First Demonstration of Coordinated Control of Workload Shifting and Energy Management at Radio Base Stations (PDF : 673KB)

Information is current as of the date of issue of the individual press release. Please be advised that information may be outdated after that point.

DOCOMO and NTT to Begin the World's First Demonstration of Coordinated Control of Workload Shifting and Energy Management at Radio Base Stations (PDF : 673KB)

OSLO, Norway (20 October 2026) – TGS, in partnership with the Direction Générale des Hydrocarbures (DGH) and PETROCI, today announced the commencement of the MC3D Vision PSDM reprocessing project in offshore Côte d'Ivoire.

The project will reprocess 14,691 square kilometers of GeoStreamer 3D data from multiple surveys acquired by TGS between 2014 and 2018, covering the deepwater Côte d'Ivoire and San Pedro Basins. The reprocessing addresses imaging challenges associated with complex deepwater geology, including significant velocity variations in the overburden that can obscure deeper exploration targets and compromise amplitude fidelity. By applying modern pre-processing, advanced velocity model building, including E-DMFWI, and Kirchhoff PSDM imaging, the project is expected to provide clearer definition of reservoir intervals and stratigraphic features across the offshore Côte d'Ivoire margin.

David Hajovsky, Executive Vice President of Multi-Client at TGS, commented, “This project once again showcases our commitment to data-driven exploration across Africa. Enhanced imaging will enable operators to identify and evaluate prospects with greater confidence, reduce subsurface uncertainty and mature exploration opportunities across Côte d'Ivoire.”

The Côte d'Ivoire MC3D Vision PSDM Reprocessing adds to TGS' wider ongoing MC3D Vision reprocessing project activities across West Africa. Fast-track products are expected in Q2 2027, with final products to follow in Q4 2027.

About TGS

TGS provides advanced data and intelligence to companies active in the energy sector. With leading-edge technology and solutions spanning the entire energy value chain, TGS offers a comprehensive range of insights to help clients make better decisions. Our broad range of products and advanced data technologies, coupled with a global, extensive and diverse energy data library, make TGS a trusted partner in supporting the exploration and production of energy resources worldwide. For further information, please visit www.tgs.com (https://www.tgs.com/).

For media inquiries, contact:

Bård Stenberg

IR & Business Intelligence

investor@tgs.com

Microsoft ends support for Internet Explorer on June 16, 2022.

We recommend using one of the browsers listed below.

Please contact your browser provider for download and installation instructions.

October 20, 2026

NTT, Inc.

NTT Innovative Devices Corporation

Japan Semiconductor Corporation

Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.

SHINKO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.

TOKYO, Japan, October 20, 2026 — NTT, Inc. (NTT), NTT Innovative Devices Corporation (NTT Innovative Devices), Japan Semiconductor Corporation* (Japan Semiconductor), Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd. (Furukawa Electric), and SHINKO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES CO., LTD. (Shinko Electric Industries) today announced that a four-company joint R&D proposal led by NTT Innovative Devices has been selected under the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO)'s Research and Development Project of the Enhanced Infrastructures for Post-5G Information and Communication Systems / Development of Manufacturing Technologies for Advanced Semiconductors. The project aims to establish mass-production technologies for photonics-electronics convergence (PEC) devices that support next-generation AI and data-intensive computing. The participating companies will jointly develop mass-production technologies for optical chiplets, with NTT serving as an advisor.1

The rapid adoption of generative AI is driving unprecedented growth in demand for data processing across AI data centers and high-performance computing (HPC) systems. At the same time, rising power consumption associated with chip-to-chip communications has emerged as a major challenge. As a result, PEC technologies, which enable high-speed data transfer with significantly lower power consumption, are attracting increasing attention worldwide.

Against this backdrop, NTT has been leading research and development of optical chiplet2 packaging technologies that use light to connect semiconductor packages and semiconductor chips under NEDO's Research and Development Project of the Enhanced Infrastructures for Post-5G Information and Communication Systems / Development of Manufacturing Technologies for Advanced Semiconductors since fiscal year 2023. NTT serves as the lead company for this initiative, which has advanced the development of optical chiplet technologies for next-generation semiconductor systems.3

Under the project, the participating companies will develop innovative manufacturing technologies for semiconductor devices incorporating optical chiplets to enable the high-capacity, low-power data transmission required by next-generation AI computing platforms. The project aims to achieve more than a tenfold increase in manufacturing productivity compared with current R&D-stage processes.

To accomplish this goal, the participating companies will combine their expertise in optical semiconductors, silicon photonics, optical interconnects, semiconductor packaging, and mass production processes. They will establish and evaluate a pilot production line designed for future commercial manufacturing. NTT will participate in the project as an advisor, promoting industry collaboration and supply chain development to help accelerate the commercialization and large-scale production of PEC devices.

The selected R&D project and the roles of the participating companies are outlined below.

Announcement Date: October 20, 2026

* You can scroll horizontally

[Roles of Participating Companies]

Through the project, the participating companies will establish mass-production technologies for optical chiplets spanning the entire manufacturing value chain, from photonic device fabrication and testing to optical interconnects and advanced packaging, in anticipation of the emerging market for PEC devices.

These efforts will enable the high-speed, high-capacity, and low-power data transmission required by next-generation AI computing infrastructure while accelerating the commercialization of PEC devices and strengthening Japan's domestic semiconductor manufacturing capabilities.

The project will also foster collaboration among companies and research institutions involved in the development and production of PEC technologies, helping to establish a globally competitive supply chain. Through these initiatives, the participating companies aim to contribute to reducing the growing energy consumption of data centers driven by the rapid adoption of generative AI and to supporting the realization of a more sustainable information and communications society.

*Japan Semiconductor Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation.

1https://www.nedo.go.jp/koubo/IT3_100377.html

2Optical Chiplet

A photonics-electronics convergence device that combines a photonic integrated circuit (PIC), including photonic semiconductor devices, with an electronic integrated circuit (EIC) through high-density packaging. It replaces electrical signals with optical signals for data transmission between processing chips such as CPUs and GPUs. As a core technology for photonics-electronics convergence, it overcomes the increases in power consumption associated with transmission distance and the limitations of bandwidth, enabling high-capacity, ultra-low-power servers and data centers for the AI era.

3NEDO News Release (January 30, 2024):

https://www.nedo.go.jp/koubo/IT3_100302.html

NTT is a leading global technology innovator, providing a broad range of services to both consumers and businesses. As a mobile operator and provider of infrastructure, networks, and services, NTT is dedicated to promoting a sustainable future through cutting-edge innovations. Our portfolio includes business consulting, AI-powered solutions, application services, global networks, cybersecurity, data center and edge computing, all supported by our deep global industry expertise. Generating over $90 billion in revenue and employing 340,000 professionals, we allocate 30% of our annual profits to fundamental research and development. With operations spanning more than 70 countries and regions, our clients include over 75% of Fortune Global 100 companies, alongside thousands of enterprises, government organizations, and millions of consumers.

At NTT Innovative Devices, we have commercialized COSA (Coherent Optical Sub Assembly), which consists of miniaturized integrated optical transmitter/receiver with silicon-photonics technology and digital signal processing LSI technologies developed over many years. Furthermore, we have been developing commercialized co-packaged devices integrated with a digital signal processing LSI. We will continue to develop PEC-related technologies and actively develop products that meet the requirements of our customers in the growing areas of data centers and computing industries in addition to the conventional optical communication applications.

Japan Semiconductor, a core company of Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation Group, has promoted innovation in semiconductor manufacturing for over 50 years. Leveraging technological capabilities and expertise cultivated in product development and mass production, we meet diverse customer and market needs with a broad lineup that includes microcontrollers, ASICs, analog ICs, image sensors, power semiconductors and silicon photonics. While constantly striving for innovations in technology, manufacturing and quality, Japan Semiconductor supports society's continued development.

Leveraging our 4 core technologies of metals, polymers, photonics and high frequency, Furukawa Electric Group operates a wide range of businesses in fields including infrastructure such as telecommunications and energy, automotive products and electronics. Based on our Purpose of "Composing the core of a brighter world", we strive to solve social issues such as supporting faster optical communications, addressing carbon neutrality and evolving mobility, and contribute to the establishment and development of next-generation infrastructure.

https://www.furukawaelectric.com/en/

SHINKO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES CO., LTD. is a leading manufacturer of semiconductor and microelectronic packaging products including Organic Laminate Build-up Substrates, Etched and Stamped Lead Frames, Integrated Heat Spreaders, and IC Assembly. SHINKO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES CO., LTD. will pursue their own development and growth while contributing to the creation of a prosperous society through technology leadership, state of the art manufacturing, and offering a wide variety of high quality products for diverse markets in the semiconductor industry.

Media Contacts

NTT, Inc.

NTT IOWN Integrated Innovation Center

Public Relations

Inquiry Form

NTT Innovative Devices Corporation

Public Relations

Inquiry Form

Japan Semiconductor Corporation

Public Relations

Inquiry Form

Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.

Public Relations

Inquiry Form

SHINKO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.

Public Relations Dept.

Inquiry Form

Information is current as of the date of issue of the individual press release.

Please be advised that information may be outdated after that point.

WEB media that thinks about the future with NTT

Ottawa, ON — March 31, 2026 — The Métis National Council (MNC) welcomes today’s announcement by the Right Honourable Prime Minister Mark Carney of a historic $3.8 billion investment in nature, marking a significant milestone in advancing biodiversity conservation and Indigenous-led stewardship across the country.

This landmark strategy and funding signals a strong commitment to protecting and restoring ecosystems while recognizing the essential leadership of Métis, First Nations, and Inuit in achieving Canada’s conservation goals.

The MNC’s Nature Strategy, co-developed with its Governing Members, positions the Métis Nation to deliver meaningful and lasting impact through five interconnected priorities: Métis Guardians, Ecosystem Healing, Métis-led Conservation, Food Security and Sovereignty, and Water, Snow & Ice. Rooted in Métis knowledge systems, these initiatives are already driving meaningful progress across the Métis Homeland.

Our analysis shows that each of the Métis-led priorities directly contributes to Canada’s 2030 nature targets which demonstrates that Métis-led approaches are not only effective, but essential to achieving shared conservation goals. We look forward to continuing and strengthening our partnership with the Government of Canada to achieve these goals through strategic distinctions-based program delivery and bilateral policy development; specifically, the work of the Strawberry Moon Table on Nature which is well placed to guide equitable and impactful implementation of this historic investment through co-development.  

“This historic investment has the potential to be an accelerator for Indigenous-led action on nature in Canada,” said Métis National Council’s President Victoria Pruden. “Métis governments are already leading innovative, high-impact work to protect and restore biodiversity across our Homeland. With this new funding, we can build on that momentum and scale Métis-led solutions that deliver real results for ecosystems and communities alike. Canada has recognized that Indigenous-led conservation is essential to meeting its global commitments, and the Métis Nation stands ready to continue delivering on that promise.”

May 4, 2026

The Métis National Council is disappointed with the Court’s decision on costs.

This case was brought forward in good faith, grounded in the MNC’s responsibility to uphold accountability and protect the collective interests of the Métis Nation. While we disagree with both the outcome and the characterization of the case, we respect the Court’s process.

We will not engage in inflammatory or personal rhetoric. Our focus remains on the work of serving Métis Citizens and advancing the shared priorities of Métis governments across the Homeland.

We were aware that this could be a possible outcome and have planned accordingly. The MNC remains stable, focused, and will continue to operate as usual.

“This decision does not change who we are or the work ahead of us,” said MNC President Victoria Pruden. “We will continue to move forward with our mandate as the national Métis organization, strengthening governance, promoting collaboration and unity, and advancing the priorities of Métis governments across the Homeland.”

The MNC remains committed to working with partners, including Canada, to advance reconciliation and deliver results for Métis Citizens.

Historic gathering strengthens collaboration to improve housing outcomes for Métis citizens and communities

The inaugural Métis Policy Forum (MPF) concluded today, convening Métis governments from across the Homeland, alongside Métis youth, Elders, and veterans, to advance shared housing priorities and reinforce a renewed commitment to coordinated, technical collaboration that will drive improved housing outcomes for Métis communities.

The Métis Policy Forum was established to provide a non-political, collaborative space for Métis governments and organizations to come together on shared policy priorities while fully respecting the distinct rights, jurisdictions, and governance authorities of each participant.

Housing remains one of the most urgent priorities for Métis governments. Through leadership dialogue, technical working sessions, and knowledge‑sharing, participants examined common barriers, emerging federal initiatives, and opportunities to better align efforts so Métis housing priorities are reflected in national policy and funding decisions. The Forum also marked a clear commitment to ongoing technical collaboration, including renewed intergovernmental working groups to advance concrete, coordinated solutions.

Participants affirmed that renewal of the Canada–Métis Nation Housing and Homelessness Sub‑Accord is a pressing Métis Nation priority. Long‑term, predictable, distinctions‑based funding remains essential, including flexible program design, pre‑development support for smaller Métis governments, and investments that meet the realities of northern and rural communities. Participants emphasized that housing investments must be made along the entire housing continuum to meet the needs of Métis families, including maintaining and preserving existing housing stock to ensure long‑term affordability.

Strengthening partnerships with federal, provincial, and territorial governments, expanding capacity supports, and deepening evidence‑based technical collaboration with Canada will be critical to advancing effective, Métis‑led housing solutions.

The Métis National Council’s role in the Forum was limited to convening and providing logistical and administrative support. All policy discussions and outcomes were led by participating Métis governments and organizations.

The success of the inaugural Métis Policy Forum reaffirmed a shared commitment to continued collaboration where priorities align, grounded in respect for the autonomy and governance processes of each Métis government. The Métis National Council looks forward to supporting future Métis Policy Forums that foster collaboration and advance the priorities identified by participating governments for the benefit of Métis communities and citizens.

– 30 –

Since 1983, the Métis National Council has been the national and international voice of the Métis Nation within Canada. Through national research and policy development, the MNC advocates to advance the rights and interests of Métis Governments, including the implementation of the Métis Nation’s inherent right to self-determination and self-government. The MNC is committed to accountability and transparency within its operations, and to its relationships with its Governing Members and other partners.

By President Victoria Pruden

As Canadians shy away from travelling south of the border, many are looking for vacation ideas on Canadian soil. From farm-to-table dinners, to glamping in a trapper’s tent under the northern lights, Métis tourism runs a host of unique experiences across the Homeland.

There is no better time to explore and celebrate the Canadian outdoors than during Indigenous History Month.

Since the fur trade, Métis have been heavily involved in building the Canadian economy. Modern day Métis gatherings and businesses now offer fun opportunities for vacationers to experience and learn about Métis culture. Here are six Métis activities and vacation ideas for this summer.

1. Métis Crossing in Smoky Lake, Alberta

Imagine taking in the views of the North Saskatchewan River from your trapper’s tent, sky-watching dome, or boutique hotel room. This isn’t your typical cultural centre; it is a cultural destination steeped in history and connection. You can start your day with a hearty traditional breakfast of bannock, Saskatoon berry lemonade, and buffalo sausage before heading outside for activities like buffalo tours, traditional plant walks, voyageur canoeing, and archery. Métis Crossing provides authentic opportunities to delve into the unique way of life of the Métis through educational programs, interactive exhibits, and immersive experiences. The destination combines historical buildings—including a restored Métis farmstead—with contemporary buildings showcasing Métis craftsmanship.

2. Batoche National Historic Site in Batoche, Saskatchewan

For many Métis individuals and communities, visiting Batoche National Historic Site is a pilgrimage: a journey to honour our ancestors and the sacrifices made during the 1885 Resistance. It offers an opportunity to walk into history, but also to learn about Métis culture of the past and present. Experience the Visitor Centre and museum, the Batoche cemetery, or take part in daily guided tours and special days with cultural activities such as beading and embroidery. Batoche provides immersive, and accessible opportunities to engage with Métis history and culture.

Just down the road from the historic site, visitors can enjoy Back to Batoche Days (July 16–19, 2026) with live music, chariot, pony, and relay races, voyageur games, and many more activities.

3. The Patch by Prairie Berry in Glenlea, Manitoba

Prairie Berry is a strawberry farm located 10 minutes south of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Owners Matt and Jen Turenne offer a unique Farm-to-Table Dinner experience in the middle of their strawberry patch for 10 days. The five-course meal features fresh strawberries from the patch in every dish and other locally sourced ingredients. Savour each bite as you listen to live music or take a break between courses to pick your own strawberries in the patch.

4. Métis Cultural Walking & Big Canoe Tours in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

Exploring Ontario’s scenic waterfronts, historical landmarks, and hidden waterways is a fun way to learn about and better understand Métis history and contemporary way of life.

The Lake Superior Watershed Conservancy and the Huron-Superior Regional Métis Community have developed interpretive canoe and walking tours to connect visitors to Métis culture and provide a glimpse into a vibrant community life centered around fishing and waterways. These tours operate out of the Métis Heritage Centre, the first of its kind in Ontario, and emphasize the importance of environmental stewardship and the interconnectedness of culture, ecology, and community while providing a fun summer activity outside.

5. Locality Brewing in the Township of Langley, British Columbia

You can visit a scenic Métis-owned working farm and brewery called Locality Brewing. They offer a true “Field to Glass” experience—where the barley and hops are grown, malted, and brewed on site. The brewery sources local, sustainable ingredients and follows Métis land-based traditions. From Wednesday through Sunday, visitors can enjoy bison burgers, bison poutine, and vegetarian options from Stampede Burgers, a Métis-owned food truck. With farm tours, a pond walk featuring edible plants and their Michif names and pronunciations, yoga, live music, and cold beers, it’s a place where every experience connects guests to the land, the harvest, and the farmers behind it.

6. Aurora Village on the Ingraham Trail near Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

Rooted in the Métis and Dene traditions of Fort Resolution, Aurora Village is more than just a Yellowknife viewing spot for the northern lights: it’s a place where stories, food, and landscapes come together. Guests can gather in warm teepees, learn about northern ways of life, enjoy northern fare from a late-night menu, and witness the Aurora Borealis from custom-built heated seats designed by Aboriginal elders. Enjoy hiking, snowshoeing, dog sledding, and ice fishing and experience the history and hospitality of Indigenous communities in the north.

Here are just a few ways Canadians can spend time outdoors this summer while learning about Métis culture, history, and traditions during Indigenous History Month.

Batoche National Historic Site:

MNC urges Ottawa to include Métis workers, businesses and governments in Canada’s tariff response and economic strategy, highlighting the Métis Nation’s role in strengthening domestic supply chains, trade and nation-building.

The Métis National Council (MNC) supports a strong Team Canada approach as Canada responds to U.S. tariffs and works to protect Canadian workers, businesses and communities.

Nearly 250 years ago, Métis first played a foundational role, through their work, businesses and dedication, in contributing to and shaping the distinct and proud identity that Canada and Canadians cherish today. Métis citizens and their businesses continue to be important players in Canada’s economy and are as determined today as their ancestors were in the time of the fur trade to ensure that all Canadians succeed and share in the great riches that this land can provide for all of us.

MNC’s 2025 Status of the Métis Economy Report found that the Métis economy generated approximately $21 billion in GDP in 2015, while Métis businesses generated $25.4 billion in revenue in 2020, illustrating the continued role the Métis Nation plays in shaping and growing Canada’s economy, not just as bystanders but as leaders.

“The Métis Nation is not simply asking to be protected from the impacts of this trade dispute,” said MNC President Victoria Pruden. “We are ready to be part of Canada’s response. A Team Canada approach must include the Métis Nation.”

As Canada strengthens domestic supply chains, advances nation-building projects, expands Buy Canadian and federal procurement initiatives, develops critical minerals and energy infrastructure, and diversifies its international trade relationships, Métis participation must be built into Canada’s economic strategy.

The impact of the new tariffs and ongoing economic uncertainty will require a response from the Government of Canada, and the MNC is calling on the Government of Canada to ensure Métis workers and businesses can effectively access tariff-response measures and work directly with Métis governments to expand opportunities in procurement, workforce development, investment and trade diversification.

Métis economic participation is not separate from Canada’s economic strategy. It is part of Canada’s competitive advantage. The Métis Nation has been trading, building and creating economic partnerships across North America for generations. As Canada confronts this consequential moment, the Métis Nation is ready to bring that experience, entrepreneurial spirit, and determination to Team Canada.

– 30 –

Since 1983, the Métis National Council has been the national and international voice of the Métis Nation within Canada. Through national research and policy development, the MNC advocates to advance the rights and interests of Métis Governments, including the implementation of the Métis Nation’s inherent right to self-determination and self-government. The MNC is committed to accountability and transparency within its operations, and to its relationships with its Governing Members and other partners.