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The Delta force - hear us roar

Gwich'in women make history at Dene National Assembly



The Gwich'in women were a force at the Dene National Assembly. Pictured here are Cece McCauley (left), Margaret Donovan, Liz Hansen, Annie Jane Modeste, and Mary Teya. - NNSL Photo/Dane Gibson

Dane Gibson
Northern News Services

Tulita (July 16/01) - Dene Nation delegates sit around a wide circle of tables shuffling papers, but at the Dene National Assembly in Tulita last week, there was something noticeably different about the circle.

The Gwich'in Nation flag was draped from one section of tables, which isn't new, but above the flag, nine Gwich'in women sat behind the table.

It is the first time in 31 years of Dene National Assemblies that an all-woman delegation participated. They are representing the communities of Inuvik, Fort McPherson, Aklavik, and Tsiigehtchic.

Inuvik delegate Em Hansen is proud of their female delegation. She says their strong showing at the assembly is one of the ways they keep the Gwich'in Nation healthy.

"In the Delta, we believe in equal power -- we don't walk ahead or behind of our men, we walk beside them," said Hansen. "We've always been involved in politics with our men. We have a voice and we want it to be heard. We believe two voices are always stronger than one."

Some of the Gwich'in delegates came to the assembly to learn more about the Northern political scene beyond the local level.

"At home, our Tetlit Gwich'in Council is equally comprised of men and women. Our women get involved as much as we can in the community," said Fort McPherson delegate Annie Modeste.

Fort McPherson's Mary Teya said attending the assembly is just a start for her. She says Gwich'in women will continue to be active in politics to ensure their community and families remain strong and healthy.

"Participation like this has to be continued," Teya said. "As women, we must be interested in our organizations and the future of our communities."

"We are involved in all aspects of our children's lives, our homes and our families -- if we want those aspects of our lives to be strong then we have to be examples ourselves."