DENE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY |
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Annually, Dene National Assemblies are held in different communities in Denendeh. It is a time for Dene to gather, greet and meet. Whati, Denendeh will be the location for the 42nd Dene National Assembly from July 2-6, 2012.
Dene National Assemblies:
The Dene National Assemblies traditionally convene each summer in July and is hosted in different communities within the five regions of Denendeh, namely Gwich’in, Sahtu, Deh Cho, Tli Cho (Monfwi) and Akaitcho. Many people from the 30 Dene communities travel to these meetings via air, road (if it’s all-season), and/or boat.
The Dene Nation holds these annual and special meetings with equal opportunity for communities to host the assembly 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.
The venues of the handgames and drum dancing celebrations are equally impressive.
At the closing of the 40th Dene National Assembly held at Fort Good Hope, Denendeh from July 12-16, 2010, Dene National Chief Bill Erasmus said, "This was a time to celebrate the many achievements of the Dene and to honour the past and present leaders who worked diligently to preserve and protect the Dene culture, lands and environment for future generations. It was a time to reflect and evaluate where we are today and to strengthen our vision for the future." Chief Erasmus thanked all the leaders, official delegates, elders, youth and visitors for attending the meeting. He said, "Wishing everyone a great summer with your families and we look forward to working together over the years to come."
At The Meeting:
The Dene National Assemblies are open to the public. The formal sessions of the Dene National Assemblies are held during the day with the draft agenda and rules and procedures being adopted by procedural motion from the floor.
Official delegates must be Chiefs or proxy representatives authorized by proxy letter from the Chief as outlined in the Dene Nation Constitution and By-Laws.
When addressing the floor, delegates or designated spokespersons must identify themselves and the community they represent for recording purposes. Any full member of the Dene Nation is entitled to participate in the National Assembly and to voice his or her opinion on any issue under discussion; but, where consensus is not reached among all, voting privileges are reserved for official delegates.
The assemblies are presented in both Dene and English with simultaneous translation being offered during the days of the event.
Media:
All media representatives are invited to attend the five-day assemblies and permitted in the meeting room. The only time permission is not granted is when the session is held “In-Camera”.
To schedule an interview, obtain information and/or confirm your presence, please contact:
Barrett Lenoir click here.
Acting CEO
Dene Nation
Sponsors:
The Dene Nation would like to thank all its sponsors: Assembly of First Nations-NWT Region, First Air, Denendeh Development Corporation, Government of the Northwest Territories, Government of Canada, and many more valuable partners and volunteers.
At the 41st Dene National Assembly at Fort Providence, Denendeh July 11-15, 2011 drummers gathered for the "Feeding The Fire Ceremony".
DATES OF ANNUAL DENE NATIONAL ASSEMBLIES:
42nd Dene National Assembly - July 2-6, 2012 - Whati
41st Dene National Assembly – July 11-15, 2011 – Fort Providence
40th Dene National Assembly – July 12-16, 2010 – Fort Good Hope
39th Dene National Assembly – July 2009 – Lutsel K’e
38th Dene National Assembly – July 2008 – Fort McPherson
37th Dene National Assembly – July 2007 – Behchoko
36th Dene National Assembly – July 2006 – Hay River Dene Reserve / Behchoko
35th Dene National Assembly – July 2005 - Deline
34th Dene National Assembly – July 2004 – Yellowknife (Weledeh River)
33rd Dene National Assembly – July 2003 – Aklavik
32nd Dene National Assembly – July 2002 – Fort Simpson
31st Dene National Assembly – July 2001 – Tulita
30th Dene National Assembly – July 2000 – Fort Resolution
29th Dene National Assembly – July 1999 – Jean Marie River
28th Dene National Assembly – July 1998 – Yellowknife (Weledeh River)
27th Dene National Assembly – July 1997 – Hay River Dene Reserve
26th Dene National Assembly – July 1996 – Fort Resolution
25th Dene National Assembly – July 1995 – Fort Providence
24th Dene National Assembly – July 1994 – Lutsel K’e
23rd Dene National Assembly – July 1993 – Tulita
22nd Dene National Assembly – July 1992 – Wrigley
21st Dene National Assembly – July 1991 – Fort Smith (Bell Rock)
20th Dene National Assembly – July 1990 – Dettah
19th Dene National Assembly – July 1989 – Inuvik
18th Dene National Assembly – July 1988 – Hay River Dene Reserve
17th Dene National Assembly – July 1987 – Fort Good Hope
16th Dene National Assembly – July 1986 – Lutsel K’e
15th Dene National Assembly – July 1985 – Deline
14th Dene National Assembly – July 1984 – Bechoko
13th Dene National Assembly – July 1983 – Fort Resolution
12th Dene National Assembly – July 1982 – Fort Simpson / Fort McPherson
11th Dene National Assembly – July 1981 – Fort Providence
10th Dene National Assembly – July 1980 – Fort Good Hope
9th Dene National Assembly – July 1979 – Fort Providence
8th Dene National Assembly – July 1978 – Deline / Whati / Tulita
7th Dene National Assembly – July 1977 – Fort Fitzgerald / Deline
6th Dene National Assembly – July 1976 – Fort Simpson / Tulita
5th Dene National Assembly – July 1975 – Behchoko
4th Dene National Assembly – July 1974 – Fort Good Hope / Wrigley
3rd Dene National Assembly – July 1973 – Yellowknife
2nd Dene National Assembly – July 1972 – Fort McPherson
1st Dene National Assembly – July 1971 – Behchoko
Dene National Assembly – July 1970 – Yellowknife
For more information on Dene National Assemblies, contact us.
