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NWT Metis Nation president steps down

Paul Bickford
Northern News Services
Published Monday, September 29, 2008

THEBACHA/FORT SMITH - Vern Jones of Hay River has resigned as president of the Northwest Territory Metis Nation (NWTMN).

Jones, who had been president for the past two years, cited personal reasons for his decision to leave the position.

Earl Jacobson, the executive director of the Fort Smith-based organization, said Jones resigned during a Sept. 3 telephone call to him and did not submit a formal letter of resignation.

Attempts to reach Jones last week for comment were unsuccessful as he was gone hunting.

The NWTMN board of directors has addressed the vacancy until elections are held for a new executive at the upcoming annual general assembly, set Nov. 5 and 6 in Hay River.

Meeting in mid-September, the board of directors appointed Betty Villebrun of Fort Smith as interim president until the November elections.

Arthur Beck of Fort Resolution remains vice-president and Tammy Hunter of Fort Resolution was named secretary-treasurer.

Jacobson said the interim presidency was first offered to Beck.

"He decided not to take it," Jacobson said, adding Beck suggested the position be offered to Villebrun, who had been secretary-treasurer.

Jacobson said the shift in leadership was smooth and orderly and should have no effect whatsoever on ongoing land and resources negotiations with the federal and territorial governments.

"We have a well-seasoned board of directors, so I don't foresee any difficulties in the administration of the organization in the run-up to the election," he said.

The executive, board of directors and executive director will handle the day-to-day operations of the organization until the elections.

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

Villebrun was unavailable for comment last week as she was also in the bush hunting.

In late July, Jones also resigned as president of the Hay River Metis Council.

Faye Johns, who was vice-president, took over as acting president until elections for a new executive are held at the council's annual general assembly on Oct. 26.

Jones had been president of the Hay River Metis Council for a little over two years