Aklavik (July 07/03) - On Saturday morning Noeline Villebrun made history as the first woman to be elected as grand chief of the Dene Nation.

Noeline Villebrun is the first woman to be elected as Dene Nation Grand Chief. - Erin Fletcher/NNSL photo Furlong bows out A commitment to his community kept Aklavik chief Charlie Furlong from running for the Dene Nation national chief position. Furlong made the announcement during the first day of the Dene Nation Assembly in Aklavik, July 3. Three Rae-Edzo members nominated him for the post, which he reluctantly agreed to run for. v "I was honoured they had the confidence in me ... But after careful consideration and looking back at what I started I came to realize that perhaps I was not yet ready for national politics." He wants to focus his attentions on local projects. Furlong has been in politics for the past 25 years and is also active in Mackenzie Pipeline discussions.

Villebrun, a 47-year-old Fort Resolution resident, has been politically active for 25 years. She is the vice president of the Native Women's Association of the NWT, a member of the Women's Voice and Leadership and is a strong believer in fighting for Dene rights, both socially and economically.

"When I decided to run in the election I had different reasons for running, but I feel I have enough knowledge, skills and education to represent the Dene Nation," said Villebrun before the win.

Villebrun was running against Richard Edjericon of Yellowknife and Aklavik chief Charlie Furlong. Furlong withdrew from the race a day before the election.

The ballot totals were unavailable by deadline Saturday. The assembly voted to go in-camera shortly after announcing the winner to discuss issues relating to the election process.

Prior to the announcement, Edjericon said win or lose, he will support the new grand chief.

"Life goes on," said Edjericon of the loss.

Before the election, Dogrib grand chief Joe Rabesca made a last minute call for candidates through a letter. He wanted some extra time to allow the Dogrib to appoint a candidate, but the assembly delegates rejected the request.

News/North contacted several residents of Villebrun's hometown Saturday afternoon, but no one would comment on her victory.

Villebrun said Friday her reasons for running had nothing to do with gender equality.

"I'm doing this because I believe in what I do."

Communication was the foundation of Villebrun's platform. She believes unity is key to the Dene Nation.

"The Dene need to unite our people. We need to work together so we're not off in our regions not getting the support we need."

"We need a powerful voice and I know I can be that voice."

She said one of the first things she wants to do as grand chief is examine the present Dene Nation bylaws and constitution to ensure they are reflective of the present reality -- some regions with settlements and some still in the process.

She wants to work closely with outgoing grand chief Bill Erasmus to ensure continuity in leadership.

"Bill has been at the Dene Nation for quite a few years and he's very knowledgable about the issues. "I respect him and find he is a very humble man. He has gained the respect of a lot of leaders across the nation and he's laid down a lot of work."

Villebrun will also be using the lessons of the past to form the future.

She was raised by her grandmother and values the knowledge of her elders.

She was also removed from her grandmother's home and placed in government care when the elderly woman was deemed unfit to care for her.

"Today I consider myself a survivor of residential school abuse and assimilation. This experience will help me advocate the government," she said during a question and answer period before the polls opened Friday.

"We are losing our culture, identity and language and this is why I stand in front of you today."

"I feel as a Dene woman I can also fulfill the mandate of the Dene people. I am not afraid to take on issues and concerns that affect the Dene people."