Metis suing Alberta society, executives

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A civil suit claiming damages of $350,000 has been launched against the Metis Nation of Alberta Association, senate of the MNAA and numerous individuals associated with the MNAA.

Member James Penton, along with eight MNAA societies, began the suit by filing a statement of claim in Court of Queen's Bench July 29.

Penton and his fellow plaintiffs want the defendants to pay damages for what they say was a conspiracy to injure, interfere with contractual relations and cause m]mental distress for their role in a year-long squabble.

Penton's lawyer Catherine McCreary said the conspiracy charge is not often used in civil law because it's not commonly the way people treat other people. In this case, however, the conspiracy to injure claim fits the circumstances, she said.

The circumstances are the result of a 12-month feud between Penton and other MNAA executives, said Penton, who was elected as vice president of Zone 3 of the MNAA in September, 1993.

Penton alleges the defendants have gone out of their way to discredit him and undermine his authority in the association. He said there have been threats of violence which prevented business being done at association meetings.

In early 1994 a vote was held at a meeting of the Zone 3 regional council and the defendants removed Penton from office. Penton launched a court action, and by June of this year, the court rule that Penton was not removed from his position in MNAA by lawful means as set out in the association's bylaws. While awaiting the court decision, business of the regional council was conducted by the defendant without authority, Penton said.

In October 1993 the MNAA senate attempted to suspend Penton's membership without notice of hearing, he said. Another court ruling in favor of Penton saw his membership re-instated.

The senate then attempted to suspend Penton's membership a second time, and scheduled a hearing for Penton's defence on Aug. 3.

At this meeting a scuffle broke out when the media was asked to leave. A skirmish began when a phonographer started taking pictures and his camera was broken.

Penton claims he is weary of the fight, but doesn't like the corruption that he says powers the organization.

MNAA president Gerald Thom could not be reached for comment.