Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Trout Lake (Dec 21/01) - There's not much Dennis Deneron doesn't do in Trout Lake, a remote Deh Cho community of 70 people.

Dennis Deneron is not only chief of the Saamba K'e Dene band in Trout Lake, he's also a locksmith, a heavy equipment operator, a hunter and trapper, a gardener and even a magician. - Derek Neary/NNSL photo

He was first elected chief 12 years ago at age 18, and has served in that capacity most of the time since then. In addition to overseeing the community's affairs, he tends to keep himself occupied by picking up new skills. In 1989, he learned to become a locksmith through a correspondence course. The trade has served him well, he said.

"Sometimes in the winter people lose their keys and then I go and open their door for them ... and I cut another key for them," he said.

It wasn't the first time he had acquired a new talent from a book. While a high school student, and working as a recreation co-ordinator during the summer, Deneron ordered a book on magic tricks.

He has since purchased many more books and video tapes on the topic and has performed his own magic shows in the community.

He has also taken a woodworking course and a small engine repair course through correspondence.

He's currently enrolled in a gunsmithing course, an electrician program and is studying landscaping too.

Deneron has worked at the community's saw mill and has helped run Trout Lake Lodge. He operates heavy equipment, such as a grader or a loader, when needed. As well, he has a knack for electronics and installs satellite dishes.

"Sometimes I take off from my house at eight o'clock (a.m.) and sometimes I don't get back until 11 o'clock in the evening," he said. "You find time to do it."

Despite all the demands on his time, Deneron is a jovial individual.

"There's no time to be sad, so I'm always happy," he said. "I was raised by my grandmother, Mary Deneron. It was a loving family."

Despite all that he has learned, Deneron never completed high school. He dropped out in Grade 10 when his grandfather got sick.

"I still want to go back to school," he said.

Until he gets there, don't expect him to just sit around.

"I've been meaning to build a miniature golf course for quite some time too," he said.