The Dene Nation said its upcoming national assembly – which was originally set to take place in Fort Simpson in August – will now be held in Kátł’odeeche First Nation in October.
The 56th Dene National Assembly was first postponed in July because of wildfires burning near Fort Simpson. Residents were evacuated from the community for three weeks.
At that time, the Dene Nation said the national assembly would still take place in Fort Simpson, but would be rescheduled from August to the end of September.
The Dene Nation announced on Thursday the national assembly will now take place from October 6 to 8 in Kátł’odeeche First Nation.
“This decision has been made in response to the ongoing wildfire situation and out of concern for the safety and wellbeing of delegates, Elders, youth, community members, and all participants who will gather for the assembly,” the Dene Nation said in a news release.
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“The Dene Nation remains committed to ensuring that this important national gathering proceeds in a safe, respectful, and meaningful manner.”
There are currently 44 fires burning in the Dehcho region, including an out-of-control wildfire adjacent to Fort Simpson. NWT Fire said Fort Simpson is not at threat “because of the work done to contain the area closest to the community and key travel routes,” and crews are making good progress on remaining hotspots within Fort Simpson.
In Thursday’s new release, the Dene Nation thanked the Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ First Nation for its preparation for the national assembly and Kátł’odeeche First Nation for being the new hosts.
More information regarding registration, travel, accommodations and schedule will be shared as details are confirmed, the Dene Nation said.
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The last Dene National Assembly took place in Fort Good Hope in January.
The assembly had originally been set to take place in September 2025 but was postponed until earlier this year to allow the Dene Nation to support NWT communities affected by wildfires. Fort Providence and Whatì were evacuated in 2025.
The Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ First Nation, in a statement issued after this article was first published, said giving up the right to host the assembly was a “difficult decision” but the evacuation had “changed a lot.”
“We essentially lost two months of important planning and preparation time, including work we had hoped to complete to upgrade our arbor and other facilities before welcoming everyone,” the First Nation stated.
“Our staff and community members have carried a tremendous amount over these past several weeks. From the evacuation, to returning home, to recovery efforts and everything that has followed, people have been working extremely hard. Hosting a Dene National Assembly is something we take great pride in, and if we are going to do it, we want to be fully prepared and make it the best possible gathering for everyone who comes to our community.”
The First Nation said it hoped to bring the assembly back to the community “in the near future.”
Ollie Williams contributed reporting.
