Dene Assembly prepares to elect new national chief

Emily Blake·Wednesday July 24, 2024 at 6:31pm MT

The Yellowknives Dene First Nation's Chief Drygeese Centre, in Dettah, is seen in July 2020. Emily Blake/Cabin Radio

The 54th Dene National Assembly began in Dettah on Wednesday, with much of the day focused on the agenda and election process.

Six people are running to be the next Dene national chief: incumbent Gerald Antoine, Gerry Cheezie, Paulie Chinna, George Mackenzie, April Martel and Norman Yak’eula.

While the chief is usually elected through a single round of voting, returning officer Kit Spence told delegates that, with a record number of candidates, that process could allow for a winner to be elected with just 25 percent of the vote.

Spence said a runoff process, by contrast, would ensure whoever becomes the next chief has a strong mandate.

While not everyone expressed support for that idea, delegates ultimately passed a resolution in favour of having up to three rounds of voting.

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A candidates’ forum and the election itself are set to take place on Thursday. Delegates can vote in person, online or by phone.

Six candidates are running to be the next Dene national chief. Top left to right: Norman Yak’eula, Paula Chinna and George Mackenzie. Bottom left to right: April Martel, Gerry Cheezie and Gerald Antoine.

Participants at the assembly also discussed annual financial statements and reports on Wednesday.

Friday’s agenda, once the election has concluded, features discussions about Dene Nation constitutional reform, industrial tailings leaks (led by the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation) and Dene Nation priorities. Delegates also plan to discuss climate change, water, health, education, immigration and the RCMP.

The three-day assembly was originally set to take place in Fort Good Hope before it was moved to Dettah because of a nearby wildfire.

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The assembly was then pushed back by a day to allow for the community to celebrate the lives of loved ones who had recently passed away.

This year’s event is expected to wrap up on Friday evening. You can follow the assembly live on the Dene Nation’s Facebook page or CKLB.

The Dene Nation, originally named the Indian Brotherhood of the Northwest Territories, was established in 1969. It aims to support Dene territories and communities in upholding the rights and interests of the Dene.

The Dene national chief is also the regional chief for the Assembly of First Nations.