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CBC
a day ago
- Politics
- CBC
Two candidates vying to be next Tłı̨chǫ grand chief
The Tłı̨chǫ grand chief election on Sept. 29 will see incumbent Jackson Lafferty face off against Clifford Daniels, the former chief of Behchokǫ̀, N.W.T. A statement from the Tłı̨chǫ government issued Friday says this will be the seventh grand chief election. Lafferty, a former MLA, cabinet minister and Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, has served as Tłı̨chǫ grand chief since 2021, when he defeated then-incumbent George Mackenzie and challenger Eddie Erasmus. Daniels served as chief in Behchokǫ̀ for 16 years until he lost in June to current Chief Bertha Rabesca Zoe. An advanced poll will be held on Sept. 19. There will be polling stations in Behchokǫ̀, Whatı̀, Wekweètı̀, Gamètı̀, and Yellowknife, the statement said. "The Grand Chief Election is a pivotal event in the governance of the Tłı̨chǫ Nation, marking a renewal of leadership and community direction," it said. "The election process is deeply rooted in the Tłı̨chǫ Constitution and traditions, unfolding through a series of structured events designed to ensure transparency, accessibility and community engagement." The Tłı̨chǫ just celebrated their 20th anniversary of establishing self-government at the annual gathering in Behchokǫ̀ this week. The grand chief is part of the Tłıchǫ chief's executive council, which also consists of a chief from each of the four Tłıchǫ community governments (Behchokǫ̀, Whatì, Gamètì and Wekweètì). There are also Tłıchǫ citizens in Yellowknife. The chief's executive council oversees the implementation of Tłı̨chǫ laws. The Tłı̨chǫ government was created following the 2005 land claim and self-government agreement with the Northwest Territories and Canada. The four communities combined have a population of just over 3,000 people, according to the N.W.T. Bureau of Statistics population estimate for 2024.
CBC
11-06-2025
- Politics
- CBC
'Another historical event,' Tłı̨chǫ grand chief says of new female chief in Behchokǫ
Tłı̨chǫ leaders say residents have opted for change after Bertha Rabesca-Zoe was voted to replace longtime chief Clifford Daniels to lead Behchokǫ̀, N.W.T., after Monday's election. Tłı̨chǫ Grand Chief Jackson Lafferty and Chief-elect Rabesca-Zoe say it's the first time a woman will lead the community. "I think being the first female chief has a lot of significance for many people, especially our young ladies," Rabesca-Zoe said. "With education and determination and commitment, you can achieve whatever goals you set for yourself." Rabesca-Zoe will become the third female chief out of four Tłı̨chǫ communities, joining Wekweètı̀ Chief Adeline Football and Gamètı̀ Chief Doreen Arrowmaker. Rabesca-Zoe described Behchokǫ̀ as a predominantly Catholic community and said she thinks some still carry the belief that women shouldn't lead but Monday's election shows a push for new direction. "I think people just generally were ready for change," she said. Lafferty also pointed to the fact that many of the new councillors are young, something that he said also signifies the public's want for fresh ideas for the region. Lafferty recognized outgoing Behchokǫ̀ chief Clifford Daniels, who served for 16 years, and outgoing Whatı̀ chief Alfonz Nitsiza. He said he's looking forward to working with all of the new and returning leaders. "It's another historical event," he said. "Things are changing with us." For Rabesca-Zoe, the first order of business will be to meet with council to set priorities. She said she's keen to get to work on tackling the housing and drug crises in her community. She says she's considering a 24-hour blockade to stop the flow of drugs into Behchokǫ̀ and will look forward to hearing other ideas on how best to serve the community.
