Part 4 - Dene Nation Speaks Out on the 2023 Wildfires Devastation and Why An Independent Inquiry Is Needed

WHAT - 2023 was an un10recedented 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 Four - In Part Four, moderator Bill Erasmus discuss’s the need for the people to reach out to the Commissioner of the North West Territories, to express their desire for an independent inquiry into the 2023 wildfires, then we hear closing statements from Chief Fred Sangris, Elder Francois Paulette, and Chief David Echinelle. Finally Jesse Cardinal from Keepers of the Water recaps the webinar and provides contact information for listeners to reach out to the Commissioner of the North West Territories.

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).

Chief Fred Sangris - was born in the Yellowknife Bay area to parents Morris (Tia Chee) and Theresa Sangris Nee’ Black and grandfather, David (olter’caulther) Kamelli Sangris – grandson of the famous 1860 chief of the Coppermine River, Nayatii. Fred is a part of the long-standing leadership from the Kemili/Sangris family lineage and is a direct descendant of Chief Nayatii of the Copper Mine River and the edge of the wood Yellowknives Dene.

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.

Chief David Echinelle - Is a traditional Chief from Begade Shotagotine, he is a traditional knowledge keeper and respected Elder, who has worked to advocate for the rights and protection of Dene lands, language and cultural practices.

Jesse Cardinal is the Executive Director of Keepers of The Water and is from the Kikino Métis Settlement, where she grew up. She has seen many changes to the lands and waters in her life and a drastic decline in wildlife. She loves to listen to Elders talk about how the land was, even before she was born. Jesse

Music: 'Shoulders Of Giants' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au