Part one - Dene Nation Speaks Out on the 2023 Wildfires Devastation and Why An Independent Inquiry Is Needed

WHAT - 2023 was an unprecedented year for wildfires in the NWT with almost 70% of the population being evacuated to communities across the NWT and western Canada.

A state of emergency was called and 13 communities including Behchoko, Fort Smith, Salt River First Nation, Smith Landing First Nation, Jean Marie River, West Point First Nation, Hay River, K'atl'odeeche First Nation, Enterprise, Ndilǫ, Dettah, Yellowknife and Kakisa were evacuated.

The Dene Nation calls for the full independent public inquiry to begin as soon as possible. Dene authority and governance must be recognized
and included in all response plans going forward.

This podcast was created from the WEBINAR: Dene Nation Speaks Out on the 2023 Wildfires Devastation and Why An Independent Inquiry Is Needed which was streamed live on Mar 11, 2024

Part one - Moderator Bill Erasmus introduces The Dene Nations request for an inquiry into the 2023 Wildfires, then opening remarks are delivered by Dene National Chief Gerald Antoine and panel speaker Francois Paulette discusses climate change and the need for traditional knowledge protocols.

Bill Erasmus- Mr. Erasmus was born in Yellowknife in 1954, and has spent much of his career in his homeland Denendeh. He acquired a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from the University of Alberta. Chief Erasmus’ political expertise and strong leadership skills have brought significant change and advancement to all Peoples of the NWT (North West Territories).

Gerald Antoine is the Dene National Chief and he was raised in a traditional Dene way in a community called Rabbit Skin. When he first left his home community, he went to Fort Simpson, where there was an administrative centre, residential schools, a day school and he later ended up in foster care. Antoine was motivated to learn more about his culture, language, worldview and social context after living through those experiences.

Francois Paulette - A Denesuline and member of the Smith’s Landing Treaty 8 First Nation Francois Paulette survived the residential school system before going on the become the youngest Chief in the NWT Indian Brotherhood in 1971.

Music: Autumn [Original Mix] by Imperss is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
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