The Meadow Lake Tribal Council is holding an election assembly at Whitecap Dakota Nation this week.
The assembly began Monday morning and over the next few days, the tribal council will discuss several matters facing the 9 member first nations.
Tribal Chief Jeremy Norman welcomed delegates to the assembly.
“I’ve been on chief and council with Flying Dust First Nation for 12 years and I know the concerns that leaders face,” said Norman.
The tribal chief also pointed to growing economic opportunities as a devoted topic for the election.
“First of all we need to make money, and second of all we need to employ our people,” he said. “Strong people, make strong families, make strong communities.”
Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak addressed the assembly via video call.
She Updated delegates on the work the AFN is doing including files on policing, homelessness, child welfare, and education.
Dene Vice-Chief election
The assembly will conclude with an election for the tribal council’s Dene vice-chief position on Wednesday.
In recent months, the executive of the Meadow Lake Tribal Council has been dealt with tragedy as two of three executive members passed away.
Former Dene Vice-Chief Lawrence McIntyre passed away in August while former tribal chief Richard Ben passed away in October.
Jeremy Norman was chosen as Ben’s successor by acclamation while two names have been put forward to fill the vacant Dene Vice-Chief position.
Buffalo River Dene Nation Chief Norma Catarat and Brian Morin, who worked for many years in the First Nations Forestry Program, are vying for the position.
Delegates at the assembly will chose the next vice-chief on Wednesday morning.
(TOP PHOTO – MLTC Chief Jeremy Norman addresses delegates at an election assembly at Dakota Dunes. Photo by Joel Willick)