B.C. Metis Association re-elects Fred House

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The Louis Riel Metis Association of British Columbia have re-elected Fred House, as their president after a request to the organization board was made, by House, to hold the elections July 11, 13.

According to House, his term was to end in 1987, but due to the many problems facing the Metis in B.C. and the up-coming constitution talks only nine months away, he felt an election and business would be "good for the Metis and beneficial to them if it was held now," instead of 1987.

House felt his leadership abilities were being questioned, and problems were risen from a splinter group, the Pacific Metis Federation, which helped him to decide on a request to hold the elections.

The three day meetings were held at Kamloops and although it was expected that approximately 500 Metis would gather there, over 1500 arrived. On the first day of meetings it was estimated that 1300 had registered.

"We had a problem with rooms because we did not expect so many people. We also food problems but I'll tell you, it ended up on a very positive note, with everyone in support of each other," commented House.

Incumbent, Rene Potrais was re-elected as Vice-President and Cliff Callioo was

re-elected as secretary-treasurer.

There were nine representatives from various parts of British Columbia on the election committee, with Ron Revard as chairman.

At the business meetings it was decided that the Metis in British Columbia would go to a ballot box system as her sister provinces have done. The ballot box system will

go into affect at the next election scheduled for next year.

Social economic development and education was high on the agenda list and heavily discussed with many in attendance.

House, who was re-elected on the first ballot for a TWO YEAR term, requested that he stand as president for one year, with the elections taking place again in 1987, as planned.

"I just wanted the association to be sure, especially with the constitution talks drawing near," said House in regards to his leadership.

The associations' offices will be moving in August to Vancouver from Dawson Creek and one of the hopes is that the move will make it more accessible to the Associations' members.

House also stressed that more communications from across the border is needed. Calling Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta, the "homeland of the Metis," House stated that communications, "is very shy for the Metis in British Columbia, compared to the other three provinces."

House also mentioned that his "roots are at Paddle Prairie" in Alberta.

"I think after our meeting in Kamloops, representatives from other provinces who were there will understand that there are a lot of Metis in British Columbia. I think they now realize the Metis are not 15 or 20 people, but are a great number here," concluded House.