Deh Gah Gotie elects former Chief but Council remains the same

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2017 File Photo of Chief Joachim Bonnetrouge holding a drawing of Deh Gah Gotie leaders who signed Treaty 11 in Fort Providence.

Posted By: Josh Campbell November 22, 2019

Voters in Fort Providence went for a candidate with more experience in leadership, as they have elected Joachim Bonnetrouge for chief. In a message to CKLB news Bonnetrouge says, “it has been a humbling experience.” He is vowing to continue to work with youth and listen to elders for advice.

Bonnetrouge will take over from Chief Xavier Canadien, who came in third in Wednesday’s election. New comer to community politics Bradley Thom received a lot of support coming in second only 20 votes behind Bonnetrouge.

The succesful 7 candidates joining Bonnetrouge on council are: Louie Constant who received 219 votes. Longtime elder on council Samuel Gargan was re-elected with 199 votes followed by his cousin Ricky Gargan who helps with drumming in the community with 198 votes. James Thom, another former chief and the husband of NWT Commissioner Margaret Thom was re-elected to council with 171 votes, followed by Michael “Go-Go” Vandell who got 165 votes. Theresa Bonnetrouge is the only woman on this council; she received 158 votes, followed by another former chief Wayne Sabourin who received 154 votes.

They will serve a two year term.

About the Author

Josh Campbell
Start your morning with the Splash on Denendeh Sunrise from 7:30-8:30am. Campbell was trained and mentored by longtime CKLB host and Gwich'in entertainer William Greenland. Prior to hosting the morning show and filling in on the Saturday Request Show, he had stints in the Yukon on CKRW the Rush, CBC North in Yellowknife, and began his broadcasting career at CJCD Mix 100. Before moving North he was born and raised on the banks of the Tobique River, the traditional territory of the Wolastoqiyik, Tobique Maliseet First Nation.

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