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NATION ELDERS COUNCIL
The
Elders Council is established to advise the Dene Leadership and
Dene people on all issues concerning Denendeh. They will assist
in addressing membership concerns arising from various internal
and external activities; make recommendations regarding language,
tradition and culture; and assist in making decisions on these issues.
The Elders Council will also provide advice on traditional knowledge,
cultural and spiritual values. The Elders Council will operate as
an advisory council and through its collective wisdom and knowledge
it will reinforce the vision and mission statement of Dene Nation.
The decisive step to create an Elders Council was taken in June
2000 at the Leadership meeting in Aklavik. A motion was passed supporting
an Elders Gathering, which then took place at Tulit’a in March
2002. At the 32nd Dene National Assembly at Liidlii Kue in July
2002, the establishment of the Elders Council was included in the
amended Dene Nation Constitution and By-laws. The Elders had provided
invaluable information at past meetings regarding traditional and
cultural issues of the Dene people. The Dene people have always
valued and depended on the advice of the Elders. In order to document
and use their wisdom and traditional knowledge, the Elders Council
is created pursuant to Section 5 Sub-Section 11(f) of the amended
Dene Nation Constitution and By-laws.
Responsibilities:
• To provide the vision, leadership and guidance to the Dene
people.
• Recommend and provide advice and information on traditional
knowledge, cultural and spiritual values.
• Provide traditional knowledge on governance as related to
self-government and government structures.
• Provide leadership and guidance in the promotion and development
a Dene justice system based on relevant Dene cultural and traditional
values.
• Provide advice and information on traditional land use and
resource management.
• Assist in the residential school healing process through
traditional and cultural values.
• Assist to educate the youth about Dene languages, culture
and traditions.
• As required, to evaluate the issues raised by a resolution
and prepare an oral or written report to be presented at the next
meeting of the National Assembly or Leadership.
Structure & Membership:
•Each territory/region of Denendeh shall select one Elder to
the Elders Council.
• The Elders Council membership will consist of five (5) elders.
• A quorum is a majority of the members (3) present at a meeting.
•The Elders Council will select one Elder to sit on the Executive
of the Dene Nation.
•Members of the Elders Council will serve a term of two years
in office.
•The Council will strive to achieve consensus in its decisions
and recommendations. If not it will report to the Leadership to
assist in resolving the issue.
Reporting:
As required, the Elders Council will report on its recommendations
at a duly convened meeting of the Leadership or if the needs arises
to report at the next National Assembly.
Schedule:
The Elders Council will meet as required or at the call of the Dene
Leadership to address a specific issue that requires immediate attention.
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