James Marlowe wins another term as Chief of Łútsël K’é Dene First Nation

James Marlowe was re-elected the Chief of Łútsël K’é Dene First Nation this week.

Chief Marlowe, who has been in the role since late 2022, defeated Stephanie Poole in the election held on June 3. The election results remain unofficial until the appeal period concludes, with the results expected to be finalized on June 8.

Marlowe said he felt both relieved and grateful following the election results and is pleased to have the opportunity to serve another three-year term as chief, allowing him to continue advancing projects and initiatives already under way.

“I’d like to first of all thank all the supporters and people of Łútsël K’é Dene First Nation and the people that supported me the election process,” he told Cabin Radio.

“There’s others that did not vote for me but I still respect their decision, and I’m willing to work with them, cooperate and communicate and see if we can do good things for our community.”

One of his main priorities is healing and unity within the community. He noted major negotiations that still need to be completed and that he believes will bring benefits and opportunities for community members.

He said addressing these issues will require coordinated community action and stronger collaboration with local RCMP and other authorities to reduce harmful activity in the community.

The chief also said he wants to improve communication across the First Nation so members better understand what is happening at the leadership level, and to develop a community plan focused on shared priorities. He added he intends to address concerns raised by members during a forum earlier in the election period.

To support healing, he hopes to bring together youth, Elders and community members to strengthen relationships and rebuild unity. Asked about the biggest challenges facing the community, the chief pointed to drugs, alcohol and health issues.

“There so many of our members passing on due to sickness in terms of cancer,” he said.

“We’ve lost a lot of Elders. We now have only young Elders in the community. I still remember the Elders that spoke daily of the process of being a community – love one another, help each other, work with each other, and if there’s issues, you get together and fix it.”

Campaign claims

Poole, a former councillor and current wellness coordinator for the First Nation, thanked supporters in a statement on Facebook following the vote.

In her statement, she reflected on her long connection to the community as a Sixties Scoop survivor and said she remains proud of her efforts to rebuild ties with the First Nation’s people, land and culture.

Poole said she was the subject of “false and misleading” claims during the campaign.

“Claims that I was involved in wrongdoing at our corporation, that I would steal money, support only certain families, or dismiss staff without cause are simply not true,” she wrote. “My actions and record of service speak for themselves. I have always tried to serve our Nation with honesty, fairness, accountability, and respect for all members.”

Poole, who said the election outcome was difficult for her, expressed gratitude to her supporters and Elders.

She said supporters who have concerns about the conduct of the election can submit written appeals before June 8, adding that she will review any information received before deciding on next steps.

Marlowe said both candidates ran respectful campaigns and worked hard to earn support.

“She did a good job and I’m pretty sure I based my campaign on my past work. I was in office for three and a half years and that’s two terms, and this is my third term. I guess I would say that my past work history has been identified and there’s things that I have to do, that I want to complete,” he said.

“We both ran a respectable, honest campaign and [there are] other opportunities for others to take on a leadership role in the community.

“I have to thank her for putting me to the test of such a close election result, but the chief is chosen by membership and now what we have to do is get together and work with each other and implement programs and services and lobby for the First Nation to thrive as a community – both for people in the community and members that reside outside the community.”

Asked what message he had for community members ahead of his new term, Marlowe urged residents to avoid negative posts on social media.

He said comments can reflect poorly on the community and called instead for unity, respect and mutual support.

“We have to get together, help each other, work with one another, respect each other, love each other and take care of each other. Those are the visions of the Elders,” he said.