Dene Nation Speaks Out On The 2023 Wildfires Devastation and Why An Independent Inquiry Is Needed

Mar. 11

Written By Tori Cress

For immediate release: MARCH 9, 2024

DENE NATION AND KEEPERS OF THE WATER

DENE NATION SPEAKS OUT ON THE 2023 WILDFIRES DEVASTATION AND WHY AN INDEPENDENT INQUIRY IS NEEDED

YELLOWKNIFE, NWT—On Monday, March 11th, Impacted community members, Elders, and Leaders in the North West Territories will speak about their experiences and the devastation caused by the 2023 wildfires. So much was not handled properly, and further trauma was added to an already horrible situation.

“Federal and Territorial legislation does not recognize the authority of the Chief and Council regarding emergency measures unless they are on a reserve. The NWT has only two recognized reserves; therefore, 30 communities are in the hands of municipalities or the Government of the NWT. The lack of recognition of the role of band councils is dangerous and causes many problems in our communities.”

Gerald Antoine Dene National Chief/AFN NWT Regional Chief

The Dene Nation has submitted a formal request to the Commissioner for the North West Territories to initiate an Independent Inquiry into the handling of the 2023 wildfires. This inquiry will allow community people to be heard and allow for better planning moving forward.

We are seeing dryer seasons and hotter temperatures, and proven science shows that extreme industrial extraction is expediting climate change. We need to ensure the federal government bears witness to the devastation being caused and that this doesn't happen again.

“There are already fires starting up and we are only in March, a time when we normally don't see these kinds of things, and again, communities are not prepared as they are still recovering from the unprecedented 2023 fire season.. Support and planning are essential to ensure this climate chaos does not further impact Indigenous communities. There is a greater responsibility here by those who are contributing to climate change to step up.”

Jesse Cardinal, Executive Director, Keepers of the Water

10 am MST / 12 pm EST on Monday, March 11

Keepers of the Water Facebook Event page and YouTube

No Registration Required

Opening Remarks by Dene National Chief Gerald Antoine

SPEAKERS: Francois Paulette, Elder, Smith Landing First Nation

Chief Fred Sangris- Yellowknife Dene First Nation- Ndilo

Theresa Etchinelle- Tulita - Shuta Got'ine

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For more information, please contact:

Leanne Goose, Communications

Dene Nation