by Richard Gleeson
Northern News Services

NNSL (NOV 08/96) - The North Slave Metis Alliance believes the Metis Nation is trying to hijack its negotiation of a impact benefits agreement with BHP.

"They have a vested interest in doing so," said Bill Enge, president of Metis Local 66, one of three Metis groups in the alliance.

"We feel they want to grab any money coming to Metis, but the North Slave Metis will be more affected by the mine than anyone."

In a press release issued earlier this week, the alliance said the BHP environmental agreement signed last week had no force because it is missing their OK.

Gary Bohnet, president of the Northwest Territories' Metis Nation, was the only Metis to sign the agreement.

"What they're trying to do is set themselves up as signatories, legitimize themselves," said Enge.

"Why else are they making statements that the North Slave Metis Alliance is not a legal body, just three people working together?" asked Enge, referring to comments made earlier this week by Metis Nation vice president Mike Paulette.

"The South Slave Metis Council is not a legal entity either, however the Metis Nation has no problem recognizing them as a regional body. (Paulette) doesn't want to recognize us because it's inconvenient to recognize us."

Enge said that refusal flies in the face of a resolution passed unanimously at this year's Metis Nation annual general assembly.

In the resolution the Metis Nation affirmed its support and endorsement of the "elucidation of aboriginal rights and the lands and resources initiative desired by the North Slave Metis," as well as the alliance's regional initiatives.

Enge said the North Slave Metis board of directors' position on the Metis Nation's role in the negotiations was explained in a letter last week.

The conditions stipulate that during impact benefits agreement discussions the Metis Nation will have one negotiator who will abide by majority rule on all decisions. Furthermore, the scope of his power will be clearly defined, in writing.

Enge said the alliance has written to Indian Affairs Minister Ron Irwin protesting their exclusion from the signing of the BHP environmental agreement.