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HAY RIVER
Garry Bailey of Fort Resolution is the new leader of the Northwest Territory Metis Nation (NWTMN).

Bailey was elected president on Nov. 29 at the NWTMN's annual general assembly in Hay River.

There were two candidates for the position - Bailey and incumbent president Betty Villebrun of Fort Smith, who had filled the position since 2008. After failing to be re-elected president, Villebrun was chosen vice-president by the assembly.

In a news release, Bailey said he is excited about entering the next step in the political evolution of the Metis Nation - the negotiation of self-government.

"With self-government, we will be in a position to work with other governments and the private sector to promote economic development," he said. "This will help us in improving our social conditions."

Bailey stated that, with self-government, the NWTMN will make laws, provide programs and services to members, and administer Metis land and resources in the agreement area.

"We've been waiting a long time to assume that kind of jurisdiction and authority, but we're almost there," Bailey said.

The NWTMN's new executive also includes secretary-treasurer Danny Beck of Hay River.

The 39-year-old Bailey is no newcomer to politics.

Bailey first joined the Fort Resolution Metis Council when he was 20 years old, serving on the board of directors for four years.

Later, he assumed the position of Fort Resolution community negotiator on the lands and resources agreement-in-principle file, a position he held for eight years.

Bailey became president of the Fort Resolution Metis Council in 2008, and still holds that position.

In addition, he has served 10 years on the Fort Resolution hamlet council and is currently mayor.

In a pre-election speech to the assembly, Bailey said he has maintained four personal policies in his political career - honesty, fairness, transparency and accountability.

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