Yellowknife (Sep 17/03) - Testimony in the civil suit between Bill Enge and the North Slave Metis Alliance wrapped up last week, but a resolution to the five-year standoff could still be several weeks away.

Lawyers for both sides didn't have enough time to make their closing arguments Friday afternoon so Justice Edward MacCallum ordered that they be submitted in writing by Sept. 30.

Enge, a former director of the alliance, is suing to have his membership and those of 87 others renewed.

Enge and the others were kicked out of the alliance in 1998 after a review committee determined they did not meet the criteria for Metis status.

The committee also ruled that Enge was no longer eligible to be an alliance member because he had formed break away-group to represent the North Slave Metis after a falling out with other leaders. "It was a kangaroo process," said Enge.

"There was nothing in the constitution that permitted them to expel us."

Enge accused former alliance leaders Clem Paul and Robert Turner of trying to circumvent the group's constitution. "They wanted to create a tyranny with Clem Paul as chief tyrant."

Robert Turner and the North Slave Metis Alliance did not return a phone call seeking comment.

Enge said the outcome of the trial could go a long way toward determining the future of the North Slave Metis Alliance.

"If things go the way we hope, there will be some definite repercussions...and service ramifications," said Enge.

Enge said the five-year legal battle hasn't hurt the ability of the North Slave Metis Alliance to properly represent its constituents, but that a resolution was needed for the group to move forward.