With that in mind, the NSMA is committed to principles of economic sustainability, environmental stewardship, and self-determination in respect to its traditional lands and resources.

This organisation was disbanded after the Final Agreement was rejected, and the pan-territorial process was abandoned in favor of the pursuit of regional claims.

The NSMA sponsors a number of local events, such as the annual Aboriginal Day celebration in downtown Yellowknife, which includes a parade, fish fry, and musical performances near city hall.

[12][13] Communities were characterized by a regional network within which there would be certain fixed settlements, connected by transportation systems of river routes, cart trails, and portages along which people settled.

Their traditional territory followed hunting, trapping, and trading trails north to the Great Bear Lake and east into what is now Nunavut.