Dene Assembly in Dettah delayed by one day

The event will now take place from July 24 to 26, with chief elections on Wednesday


The 10th Dene National Assembly was held in July 1980 at Fort Good Hope. (Photo courtesy of NWT Archives)

The Dene National Assembly has been pushed back one day and will now start on Wednesday in Dettah, not tomorrow as originally planned.

In a social media post on behalf of the host community, the Dene Nation stated:

“It is with the deepest respect that we postpone the Dene National Assembly by one day to provide the families and community to celebrate the lives of their loved ones.

“This is the direction given by host, Chief ErnEst Betsina. Mahsi for your gracious understanding.”

The election for Dene National Chief will still take place on Thursday, July 25. Voting will take place both in person and online.

A record number of candidates are running for National Chief: Gerald Antoine (incumbent), predecessor chief Norman Yak’e ula, former Tłı̨chǫ grand chief George Mackenzie, Kátł’odeeche First Nation Chief April Martel, former Sahtu MLA Paulie Chinna, and former Smith’s Landing First Nation chief Gerry Cheezie.

It’s the second major change for this year’s Assembly, which was to be held in Fort Good Hope, until wildfires forced an evacuation for two weeks.

Dene National Assemblies are held annually in different communities in Denendeh.

The assembly is where Dene leaders have discussions, consultations and make resolutions. It’s where the leaders come to make their voices heard and commemorate the struggle for retaining sovereignty and advancing Dene concerns.

About the Author

James O'Connor
James O’Connor joined CKLB 101.9 FM at the start of 2024, after working as a journalist, photo editor and managing editor at newspapers in Manitoba and the Northwest Territories. James also has experience in politics, arts, service clubs and the NWT’s non-profit sector. At this point in his lengthy career, James is thrilled to be working at such a unique media outlet and always welcomes notes from listeners at: james.oconnor@cklbradio.com.