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Dene Nation mourns the passing of former Chief Frank T’seleie
'His legacy is not just in the victories he achieved, but in the path he paved for future generations,' says National Chief George Mackenzie
Dene National Chief George Mackenzie issued the following statement on the passing of Frank T’seleie Sr. this week in Yellowknife:
“With a heavy heart, we mourn the passing of a remarkable leader and a true pioneer of Indigenous rights in Canada, Frank T’seleie Sr.
“His departure at the age of 80 marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to inspire and guide us for generations to come.
“Frank T’seleie Sr. was not just a chief of Fort Good Hope; he was a visionary who understood the profound connection between our land and our identity. During the Berger Inquiry in the 1970s, Frank stood as a formidable voice against the proposed Mackenzie Valley pipeline.
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- Frank T’seleie and wife Bella in Colville Lake in 1970. (Photo: NWT Archives N-2001-002: 02304 Bern Will Brown fonds)
“His eloquence and determination were instrumental in halting a project that threatened our lands and way of life. His testimony during the inquiry was not merely a defense of our territory but a powerful assertion of our rights and sovereignty as Dene.
“Frank’s leadership was deeply rooted in the teachings of his father, Philip T’seleie, who also served as a chief. This lineage of leadership and commitment to our people is a testament to the enduring strength of our community.
“Frank’s efforts during the Berger Inquiry were pivotal in shaping the discourse on Indigenous rights in Canada, setting a precedent for how Indigenous voices must be heard and respected in matters affecting our lands.
“His legacy is not just in the victories he achieved, but in the path he paved for future generations. Frank T’seleie Sr. showed us that standing firm in our beliefs and advocating for our rights can lead to meaningful change. He taught us the importance of unity and resilience in the face of adversity.
“As we reflect on his life, let us honor his memory by continuing the work he began. Let us remain vigilant in protecting our lands and rights, ensuring that the voices of our people are never silenced. Frank T’seleie Sr.’s spirit will live on in our actions and in the stories we pass down to our children.”
There will be a Public Visitation held at McKenna Funeral Home on Thursday, March 12th, from 3 pm to 5 pm.
The late Frank T’seleie will be returning to Fort Good Hope on Friday, March 13th.
A wake will be held in Fort Good Hope on Saturday (14th) and Sunday (15th). Funeral Mass and Burial will follow on Monday, April 16th, 2026 at a time to be determined.
Earlier this year, CKLB’s Cassandra Blondin Burt produced a feature on Frank T’seleie, which you can listen to here:
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- Frank T’seleie in an undated photo. (Photo: Dene Nation/Facebook)
