Latest news with #femalechief
CBC
3 days ago
- 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.
CBC
19-05-2025
- General
- CBC
Lantz Volunteer Fire Department appoints first female fire chief
Meet the Lantz Fire Department's first female chief 55 years ago Social Sharing Kensa Harris has made history by becoming the first female chief of the Lantz Volunteer Fire Department. Harris was one of only two female firefighters in the department when she first joined 14 years ago. She says being a firefighter in a traditionally male position hasn't been easy. But it has helped her become a role model for young women. "I wanna do a good job," she said. "I think being a fire chief in a volunteer organization comes with a lot of responsibility but for me, my focus is making sure I do the job well and make the department my priority." Harris replaces Kory Orchard, who retired after five years in the position. Katelyn Oakes, a firefighter in the department, says the decision to select Harris is based on her skills and is a clear sign of openness to change. She hopes Harris's leadership will encourage other women to volunteer with the department. "It's nice to see a female in such a leadership role and for little girls in the community, especially, to look up to her," said Oakes, "and hopefully we'll get a few more females around here to outrank the boys, show them how it's done." Harris leads a department that has its share of challenges. Those include recruitment of new members and the need for a new fire station. "So making sure we stay constantly thinking about what comes next," she said. "Do we have enough members to meet what the community needs from us." The department has 30 members. Four are women, including Harris. But Harris hopes that number will grow in the coming months. A new truck is expected by the end of this year or in 2026, allowing the department to improve its emergency response. Local councillor Walter Tingley is aware of the problems facing the department and says the community will continue to support it. "We have staff that'll work with them toward their needs on equipment and whatever their needs are that way," Tingley said.
