On the final day of the 56th Dene National Assembly, delegates passed a resolution to hold the next assembly in Fort McPherson, following debate if it should return to Fort Simpson.
The dates of the 57th assembly will be decided later according to Thursday’s resolution. Fort Simpson, which was supposed to be the host for this Dene National Assembly, will host it in 2028.
Inuvik Native Band Chief Robert Charlie spoke in favour of the proposal for Teetł’it Gwich’in Council to host. Charlie said the assembly has historically rotated through the regions. Dene National Chief George Mackenzie said the organization’s constitution states assemblies are held in the south, then the north.
Łíídlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ First Nation Chief Kele Antoine agreed with Mackenzie and said the Fort Simpson-based First Nation would “gladly and graciously welcome” the Dene Nation in two years.
“We’re really sad we’re not hosting you in our community this year,” said Antoine. He said wildfires that postponed the assembly and eventually moved it to KFN are still burning along the highway.
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Antoine added the community’s arbour, which was damaged by flooding in 2021, still needs to be repaired.
