Politics

‘We need to modernize the Dene Nation Constitution’: Newly elected Dene National chief

The clock is ticking for George Mackenzie, who plans to rework the Constitution during his three-year term


Former Tłı̨chǫ grand chief turned Dene National chief, George Mackenzie, says he plans on taking a hard look at its “outdated” constitution as one of his top priorities in office. “We need to modernize the Dene Nation Constitution,” he says, “to fit the needs of the five regions’ political position.”…


Time to make big waves as NWT’s water on decline

‘This water conference has to be like a movement — like it was with the Berger Inquiry, which was just about oil,' says Dene National Chief George Mackenzie


A major three-day conference on the health and volume of water in the NWT starts tomorrow in Kátl’odeeche First Nation (KFN), examining the downstream results of upstream mining mega projects and hydro dams. Keepers of the Water has partnered with the First Nation and the Canadian Association of Physicians for…


Three days in Dettah: Dene Nation calls for less talk, more action on key issues

Dene National Assembly heard about drug dealers maiming indebted addicts, poor relations with the GNWT and outside threats to the water system


Delegates to the 54th Dene National Assembly came prepared to tackle the toughest issues dragging their communities down. Many demanded less talk and more action to rid communities of drug dealers, get a better command of the organization’s finances and get the remaining land claims agreements over the finish line….



Calls for Dene Nation to finally build its own headquarters

Chief Ernest Betsina tells 54th Dene National Assembly it’s time to develop income-producing assets


The Dene Nation should construct its own building, for use as a central gathering place and also to reduce the nearly $630,000 in rent each year for its existing offices. The 54th Dene National Assembly in Dettah’s 400-person Chief Drygeese Conference Centre was standing room only from the start today…




Decrease in pre-trial custody corresponds with increase of repeat offenders

'Perhaps we've been a bit too lenient at the expense of public safety,' says Premier RJ Simpson


Canada’s premiers have called on the federal government to review its recent changes to bail legislation, as it might not be closing  the revolving door for charged individuals. That was one of the asks from the Council of the Federation at the end of its two-day meeting in Halifax on…


Kele Antoine re-elected chief of Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ First Nation

'As we move forward, it is crucial for us to come together as a community,' says Antoine


Kele Antoine has been re-elected as chief of Łııdlı̨ı̨ Kųę First Nation. Antoine won by nine votes over Mavis Cli-Michaud, who had 110 votes in Thursday’s election at Fort Simpson. The re-elected chief on Facebook expressed appreciation: “It was a very close contest, and I want to extend my heartfelt…