Dane Gibson
Northern News Services

NNSL (Jun 11/99) - Following the announcement that Dettah Chief Jonas Sangris would not be seeking re-election, three candidates have thrown their hats into the ring.

Richard Edjericon, Liza Charlo-Pieper and Jimmy Beaulieu stepped forward to run for the position.

A candidates' forum was held Wednesday, in Dettah to give each hopeful an opportunity to answer questions from community members, and tell why they want to become chief.

Richard Edjericon has been on the Dettah council for five years. He covered a wide-range of topics in his speech to constituents, including treaty entitlement, boundary and housing issues.

"We must support all staff, we must work with all community members and must work with our elders for guidance and direction," Edjericon said.

"We must also work together with Akaitcho Treaty 8 chiefs and Dene Nation chiefs in order to succeed as a strong First Nation. Once we achieve this, then we will be successful in meeting all the goals and objectives set out by our communities."

Liza Charlo-Pieper is a second-term Dettah councillor and has handled difficult portfolios such as justice, health and education. She spoke passionately about the Dene connection to the land, and the love, knowledge and strength given to her by her parents, Judy and Joe Charlo.

She said strengthening social programs at the grassroots level is essential to long-term change.

"I know that we need to pull all the local (Dene) people together in order to run our Dene government effectively," Charlo-Pieper said.

"The elders have always stressed the importance of our traditional way of life. It's up to us to take the powerful words of our elders to the government -- and we have to stand strongly. Without the land, we will not be able to survive."

Jimmy Beaulieu has worked in the mining industry for the past 14 years. He is currently employed by BHP and is on the Dettah Land and Environment Committee.

He stressed the importance of improving education, services and support for the community's youth.

"This is a learning experience for me. I chose to run for the position of chief because I want to be with and work with the community more," Beaulieu said.

"I've been working in a mine all my life so I felt this was a very important step for me."

Anyone who is on the Yellowknives Dene voters' list can vote on Tuesday, June 15 at the Dettah Gym, Ndilo Gym or the Tree of Peace in Yellowknife. Voting stations open at noon and run until 8 p.m.