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HAY RIVER - The Northwest Territory Metis Nation (NWTMN) has elected a female president for the first time.

In fact, the organization's new vice-president and secretary-treasurer are also women.

"We have made history today," said new president Betty Villebrun on Nov. 6, just after the new executive was elected at an annual general assembly in Hay River.

"Yes we can!" exclaimed new secretary-treasurer Ann Lobb of Hay River to laughter from the other members of the executive.

Rounding out the executive is Tammy Hunter of Fort Resolution as vice-president.

Hunter said it is the first time all three executive positions have been filled by women in the 38-year history of the NWTMN, which was once known as the South Slave Metis Tribal Council.

All three are mothers, and mothers are the backbone of the family, Hunter said.

"I feel we can be the backbone of this organization."

The NWTMN board of directors appointed Villebrun interim president in mid-September to replace the resigned Vern Jones. On Nov. 6, she was elected president over former NWTMN negotiator George Kurszewski.

Villebrun, 49, is a human resources benefits officer with the GNWT's Department of Human Resources. She will seek a leave from that position to serve as president - the only paid position on the executive.

Until Oct. 31, Hunter, 30, was a GNWT medical travel clerk/administrative assistant in Fort Resolution.

She resigned that position, which she held for four years, when she could not get four days off to attend the Metis annual general assembly. She was told there was no one available to replace her.

"I'm very passionate about this process," she said.

Hunter, who said she understands why the GNWT declined her request for time off, now plans to be a stay-at-home mom.

Hunter won the position over outgoing vice-president Arthur Beck and Lloyd Cardinal. The 56-year-old Lobb, who works as a finance officer with the GNWT, was acclaimed secretary-treasurer.

At the top of the new executive's agenda will be land, resources and governance negotiations with the territorial and federal government, which have been ongoing for 10 years.

"Our main goal would be to continue with negotiations and get an AIP," Villebrun said, referring to an agreement-in-principle. She said the negotiations are going very well.

Villebrun said the new executive also wants to provide credible leadership to the NWTMN.

The organization represents Metis people in Hay River, Fort Smith and Fort Resolution.