Elders Gathering March 2003-Fort Rae, Denendeh

The following is a brief summary of the Elders Gathering held in Rae/Edzo during the week of March 3-7, 2003. There was participation at this year’s Elders Gathering from all the regions. The Rae Chief and Council hosted the event and the Grand Chief Joe Rabesca made some opening remarks. The meetings were co-chaired by Francois Paulette and John T’seleie.

The elders spoke primarily to what was on the agenda guided by the co-chairpersons. Some of the local youth also spoke to some of the agenda items. There were many things said about culture, language, youth, education, health, justice and other social issues. The elders introduced a motion with regard to cultural camps. They thought that it was very important to talk to the youth and teach them about traditions and cultures in a traditional setting. It is fine to teach and talk about tradition and culture in the schools, but there are limitations. In a traditional on-the-land setting, there are easy accesses to nature, wildlife and fish that can be used in hands-on traditional activities and learning. On that basis the Elders passed a motion unanimously on March 5/03. The motion recommends to the Dene Leadership to instruct the Dene Nation to seek funding for cultural camps. The funding sources can be in partnership and on a long term basis. The cultural camps will not be used primarily for ‘cultural issues’ but also a place to discuss and come to some agreement or solution to other social issues such as youth and justice.

Jim Sparling from RWED made a presentation with regard to climate change which is a global issue with the greenhouse effect and changes to the environment. He made reference to climate change meeting with the elders and other members from the Dogrib region. This is part of RWED’s plans to hold regional workshops to help elders understand climate change and what effects it can have on the land. It is also an opportunity for RWED to better understand climate and environmental changes from the Elders’ perspective. There were some discussion and questions from some elders. But the presentation itself contained a lot of scientific type of terminology which made it fairly difficult for the interpreters. The chair did a good job at asking Mr. Sparling to explain certain terms.

The Elders adopted the Terms of Reference for an Elders Council with a minor change which stated that the selected elders will serve on an interim basis. This condition will stand until each territory/region had selected an elder to the Elders Council. Then during the discussion the question of an alternate member was raised by some of the elders. They stated that an elder may not always be available or fit to travel to all meetings. There should be someone else available to take over and attend meetings. Then a motion was introduced to that effect and passed unanimously. Although the amended Dene Nation by-laws states that one elder be selected from each territory/region, the Elders recommended that an alternate to the Elders Council be selected from each territory/region. It also further stated that the Leadership support this recommendation and, if required, amend or add to the by-laws to include this recommendation.

Then the elders went into regional group discussions to select an elder and an alternate from their respective regions to serve on an interim basis on the Elders Council. The interim members of the Elders Council are as follows:
Gwich’in: John Norbert, the alternate will be decided in the region.
Sahtu: Thomas Manual, the alternate: Charlie Neyelle
Deh Cho: Daniel Sonfrere, the alternate will be decided in region.
Monfwi: Alexie Arrowmaker, the alternate will be decided in the region.
Akaitcho: Danny McDonald, the alternate: Liza Enzoe

The elders agreed to select a Chief Elder among themselves at the next Leadership meeting tentatively scheduled for some time in April 2003. The Chief Elder will be the spokesperson for the Elders Council. The Chief Elder will also sit on the Dene Nation Executive as per section 7 of the Constitution and By-laws.

The elders mentioned that it was good to hear some of the youth talk about some of the social issues being discussed at this meeting. Some youth mentioned their experiences, especially with the justice system. The elders then talked about the involvement of youth at meetings and gatherings like the one being held in Rae today. They mention that there is talk about maintaining and keeping our traditions and culture, but who will carry on in the future? The youth of today will have that responsibility, so in order for them to learn they have to get more involved with the leadership in the communities and regions. The elders say that youth participation at leadership and elders meetings is a good learning experience, as some of them may become leaders of their communities. The motion recommended that Dene youth from each region be represented at future Dene leadership and elders meetings and assemblies. The motion was passed unanimously.

At the close of the meeting, each of the newly selected members and alternates to the Elders Council made their final closing remarks. Then Norman Yakeleya spoke briefly on behalf of the Dene Nation staff and thanked the Rae Chief and Council for hosting the gathering, the Chairpersons for keeping good order during the meeting, and the interpreters for their help.

There was some discussion about the location of the next gathering. The chair reminded the Gathering that last year at the Tulita Gathering a motion was passed to hold the Elders Gatherings alternating between northern and southern communities. At that time it was agreed to hold this year’s gathering in a southern community, that’s why it is being held in Rae today. After some more discussion, a motion was moved by one elder to hold next year’s gathering in Fort Good Hope. The vote was unanimous. The date of next year’s gathering was never decided.

Albert Canadien
Parliamentary Liaison Officer
Dene Nation
March 7, 2003Dene Nation Elders Council

Terms of Reference
Purpose:
The Elders Council is established to advice 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 re-enforce the vision and mission statement of Dene Nation.Rationale:
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.