Brent Reaney
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Aug 29/05) - With the political representatives for each of the four Tlicho community governments selected, all that remains is the race for Grand Chief.

Here is a look at the four candidates. Three of the four candidates hail from Behchoko. Charles James Nitsiza is from Whati. The vote is set for Sept. 1.

George Mackenzie

With 30 years spent as an educator and coach, George Mackenzie thinks the focus should be on developing the region's youth.

"The communication with the young and the elders is not there like it used to be," he said.

Currently the President of Behchoko Development Corp., Mackenzie will step down if elected.

"I'm aware of the challenges that will go with it, and the headaches that will go with it, but I'm determined to take those challenges," he said of the job.

He would like to see the Tlicho self-government document introduced into the school system, and thinks implementation of the agreement is a pressing issue.

"We need a strong Dogrib traditional leader, and also someone who understands the non-aboriginal ways," he said.

If elected, he would also hold culture and language workshops to help bridge generational gaps.

Violette Camsell-Blondin

The only woman in the race, Violette Camsell-Blondin wants voters to look beyond her gender.

"I think I'm just as good a candidate as anybody else," she said. "It certainly is a dynamic time for the Tlicho people."

She says people should vote for her because of her 30 years working with land claims, as well as time spent with the Dogrib Treaty 11 Council, and financial management work done with the Dene Nation.

For Camsell-Blondin, establishing the structure of the Tlicho government is important. She would also like to see the administrative offices spread out over the four Tlicho communities.

"If we do it that way, it's a win-win situation for everyone," she said.

She currently sits on the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board.

Charlie James Nitsiza

After six years as Chief of Whati, Nitsiza was the only incumbent elected in the first Tlicho election this June.

He also spent the past three years as deputy grand chief.

"I have done a lot of work for the Tlicho people. I'd like to continue what I'm doing, so I put my name forward," he said.

It took 15 years to settle the Tlicho land claim agreement, and "now that it's over, I think we have to look back at our young people, they're our next generation."

He thinks economic development is important, but that the social problems that come with a large influx of cash must be considered.

He would like to see drug and alcohol treatment centres established.

"I think what we need are strong, sober leaders," he said.

If successful in his bid for Grand Chief, a byelection will be held in Whati.

Edward Erasmus

"I'm running because I've been there before. People should vote for me because I have the experience," Erasmus said.

From 1990-93, Erasmus was Grand Chief, and was sub-chief for six years before that.

He was also a senior negotiator on the current Tlicho agreement for 13 years.

"To me, the land is the most important possession anybody in the country can own," he said. "It needs protection from future generation."

In terms of development, he said it "is always open, but we cannot open up everything."

He thinks "the challenge is to make sure that we don't misuse our power, and that we make sure we operate according to the Tlicho constitution."