Yellowknife (Jan 10/05) - Cec Heron believes the Native Women's Association of the NWT does very important work. And as the new president of the organization, she believes she can help it expand on that positive role.

Heron, 49, was acclaimed to a three-year term as president at the association's annual general assembly in Fort Providence last fall. She had been acting president since the former president resigned several months ago. She previously served on the board for one year as the South Slave regional director.

Heron says the association, which has about 400 members, helps women in numerous ways.

"We do a lot of awareness on social issues," she said, listing fetal alcohol, family violence and women's role in the new NWT economy.