NNSL (Apr 03/98) - Bill Enge was acclaimed as Metis Local 66 president at the annual general assembly on Sunday.

The other members of the executive are: Susan Enge, first vice-president; Marc Whitford, second vice-president; Eugene Jones, secretary; Ray Jones Sr., treasurer.

The directors comprise Randy McNabb, Colleen Chartrand, Tiffany Thiem and Ernie Glowach.

"This election result reflects the overall endorsement by the membership for the direction I have been leading them in. We are making serious progress," Enge said.

Among Enge's second-term objectives are to conclude an impact-benefit agreement with BHP and to negotiate a similar agreement with Diavik.

He also plans to ensure a "Pathways" committee is formed consisting of members from Metis Local 66, Yellowknife Metis Council and Rae-Edzo Local 64. Its purpose would be to adjudicate applications for funding from federal programs.

Enge said he expects to compile more information in regards to undertaking a land claim in the North Slave region.

The number of members in Metis Local 66 used to stand around 1,100. That figure is now uncertain due to another recently established faction, Local 77, that has lured away some regulars, according to Enge. So, co-operation with other Metis organizations in Yellowknife is essential, Enge noted.

"There's a unification theme there as well," he said. "We have some difficulties with sorting out representation ... causing some strains between some of our organizations."