Desmeules re-elected

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Larry Desmeules has been reelected to another three-year term at the helm of the Metis Nation of Alberta.

Desmeules garnered 1,234 votes or about 37 per cent of the votes cast, beating out seven other contenders for the top post including former MAA president Sam Sinclair.

Desmeules said he was pleased with the campaign, which was "based on issues. Participation was greater," which showed greater voter interest, he said.

Desmeules who leads the Metis Nation (formerly the Metis Association of Alberta) out of the 1980s and into the 1990s said he wants to focus on a process for dealing with Metis aboriginal rights.

'We do have rights. We have to develop a process," he said, noting he wants federal ministers involved and emphasis given to consulting local Metis.

Some 3,336 people went to the polls in the Sept. 4 election.

The following won positions as vice-president and directors, respectively: Zone 1: Gerald Thom, George Quintal; Zone 2: August Collins, Roy Dumais; Zone 3: Ephram Bouvier, Freda Martel; Zone 4: Stan Plante, Tim Collins; Zone 5: Peter Champion, Elmer Gullion; Zone 6: Gary Gaudet, Louis Bellerose.

The Zone 4 vice-presidential race between Plante and Lyle Donals was one of the closer contests. Plante gathered 431 votes; Donals was 21 votes back.