The Lorette Metis Local has a new executive.

Denise Thomas is Vice President of the Southeast Regional Metis Corporation. She says elections were recently held and members voted in Gisele Ferland as Chair, Denise Beauchemin Bohemier as Vice Chair and Andrea Clarke as Secretary Treasurer.

Denise Thomas (Photo Credit: Manitoba Metis Federation)Thomas says only about 11 people voted in the election. But, she says there is a reason for that.

"People are scared to get elected into these positions," says Thomas. "And so if they know there is an election, then they choose not to attend, because they are scared they are going to get nominated."

All three members were elected by acclamation.

Elections are held every four years and Thomas says the previous executive did a good job.

"Yes they worked hard for many years," she says. "I'm really excited to work with this new executive and I'm pretty sure that they are going to work hard."

Thomas says the executive has a lot on its plate, including looking after programs and services for citizens of the Metis nation, employment and training programs, as well as prescription drugs and vision care for seniors.