Fort Resolution (July 12/04) - There has been a change of leadership on the Fort Resolution Metis Council.

Lloyd Cardinal is the new president after defeating incumbent Cecil Lafferty at an annual general assembly July 5.

"It's time for a change," Cardinal said.

In particular, Cardinal -- who was also president from 1984-1986 -- wants to raise the profile of the 200-strong Metis community in Fort Resolution.

"When you come to our community, you come knocking on our door," he said.

Lafferty largely blamed his loss on the council's voting age of 16, along with block voting by some families.

The former president stresses he is not making excuses and does not hold hard feelings towards the new leadership.

"I wish them all the best," he said. "If they can do the job, fine."

Other newly-elected members of the council are vice-president Arthur Beck, secretary-treasurer Cara Carriere, and board member Kenneth Delorme. Three board members -- Pete King, Warren Delorme and Donna Beaulieu -- were re-elected.

Cardinal, who is a general contractor, has a number of ideas for Fort Resolution Metis, including closer co-operation with the Deninu Ku'e First Nation. "We're one family," he said.

The new president also plans to promote education, seek benefits for Metis from diamond mining on their traditional land, and develop trade with Lutsel K'e. Another of his ideas is a bottled water plant.

"Let's look at everything," he said.