MNA moves to heal wounds

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Battling factions of the Metis Nation of Alberta are taking the first tentative steps to quell the infighting that has plagued the organization for the past year.

Lyle Donald, vice-president of Zone four and MNA treasurer, said the organization is establishing an electoral commission whose job it will be to strengthen the existing bylaws. The hope is the commission report will set the organization in the right direction to avoid further costly squabbles over the intent of the bylaws.

MNA members learned over the Aug. 19 weekend at the annual assembly in

Fort McMurray that the organization has spent close to $300,000 in legal battles which stemmed from the interpretation of the bylaws.

Zone 3 vice-president Jim Penton has taken the MNA to task several times in his struggle to maintain his place of authority within the organization. The MNA and Elders Senate have attempted to suspend Penton's membership several times in what appears to outsiders as the ultimate power struggle.

Penton currently has a law suit pending in Alberta's courts which asks for $350,000 in damages if the complainants, the MNA and numerous individuals within the organization, are found to have conspired against Penton to usurp his authority.

Penton is willing to drop the suit against the MNA if he gets reasonable assurance he will be able to carry on in his capacity as vice-president and his political detractors are stopped.

Lawyers are currently negotiating the framework of an agreement between the two parties, but in the meantime the MNA swirls in a sea of controversy.

Media reports of the events that took place at the general assembly have been greatly exaggerated, said Donald. Canadian Press reported the meeting broke down after a mob-like atmosphere prevailed at the proceedings and little was accomplished. It later reported a fistfight took place and the RCMP were called in.

Untrue on both counts, said Donald. He confirmed there was a motion to strip MNA present Gerald Thom of his position, but after much discussion, the motion was withdrawn. The board of directors and Elders Senate survived similar calls for impeachment.

As for the fight, it took place at a dance after the meeting and had nothing to do with the assembly itself, Donald said and Penton confirmed.

Penton however did have some trouble at the assembly. He said a death threat was called into the assembly against him and three of his supporters. But Penton had come prepared with body guards.