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.
