Metis settlements elect new president

Page 18

The Metis Settlements General Council, the governing body for Alberta's eight settlements and 6,000 people, have a new leader in the person of Randy Parenteau.

On July 26, Parenteau, a member and former chairperson of the Fishing Lake Settlement, was elected president for a three-year term.

He replaces Ken Noskey who held the position for nine years.

In his pre-election campaign, Parenteau promised, "If you want change, vote for me."

His primary objective is to raise awareness of the settlements among provincial and federal government departments and assist in the creation of "a solid governance structure that is recognized throughout Canada."

Also elected to the executive were vice-president Louis Haggerty from East Prairie; secretary Donna Lakey from Gift Lake, who replaces Floyd Thompson; and Jeanette Calliou of Fishing Lake, who was re-elected treasurer for a second consecutive term.

The entire executive are adamant about the need to address issues of settlement resources and economics as well as the need to maintain Metis control over their resources and management.