The New Brunswick Association of Métis and Non-Status Indian, now the New Brunswick Aboriginal Peoples Council was formally organized in May, 1972 when an interim Executive was elected. In August, 1972 the organization became an incorporated non-profit organization under the laws of New Brunswick. The founding assembly was held at the Lord Beaverbrook Hotel in Fredericton with 20 delegates in attendance. The organization has grown significantly over the years. There are 15 locals at present time.

The New Brunswick Aboriginal Peoples Council is affiliated with a national organization, The Congress of Aboriginal People, formerly the Native Council of Canada. Their office is located in Ottawa, Ontario, representing over 750,000 Off-Reserve Aboriginal People across Canada.

In the Province of New Brunswick we are organized in community local organizations as well as a provincial body for the purpose of administration and communications, and the province is broken down into six zones. A Board of Director is elected from each zone.

When the organization was formed in August of 1972 the only funding received was a grant from the Department of Secretary of State which paid for Executive and Communication Fieldworkers and the cost of running an office. Over the years the organization has endeavoured to improve the social and economic standards of the Off-Reserve Aboriginal People of New Brunswick, and in so doing we have implemented long term programs such as Housing, Economic Development, etc. We have had in operation many short projects which afforded the organization the opportunity to do feasibility studies, prepare information packages, audio visual presentations, brochures, and many other historical and educational aids vital to the strength and positions of the Off-Reserve Aboriginal People of New Brunswick.

The organization has also taken a high profile politically, making presentations on our Inherent Right to Self-Government, and have done extensive Housing surveys and have presented comprehensive briefs to both Provincial and Federal Governments.

We, the New Brunswick Aboriginal Peoples Council have suffered many trials and tribulations since our beginnings, but in doing so, we have endeavoured to strive towards economic independence and a better future for the Off-Reserve Aboriginal People of New Brunswick. We have made some headway, but there is still so much more to be done.

Since 1978 the organization has placed strong emphasis on developing leadership skills within our members which has made a definite impact in many areas of the province. This must continue to be a focal point of improvement within our organization so there will be more of our people out there in the workplace. We must continue to work together and remain united under a common cause for survival as Aboriginal Peoples - People of Mother Earth.