NWT - Two hundred people aged nine to 65 piled into 32 canoes and set off from Gameti and Wekweeti toward Behchoko to hear and be heard at the Tlicho government's annual gathering earlier this month.

They travelled the trail of ancestors along winding rivers and steep portages – about a 10-day trip that included a record number of young people.

Once all of the canoes came ashore to a welcome feast and a drum prayer, a total of more than 600 Tlicho citizens from all four communities had gathered in Behchoko from Aug. 4 to 6 for the assembly. After rounds of traditional games wrapped up, people had a chance to give their feedback to the chiefs and council members, many of whom officially started their first term in office earlier this month.

Both constituents and leaders spoke resoundingly of the need for unity throughout the Tlicho region as four candidates for Tlicho grand chief finalized their nominations and kicked off their campaigns.

Incumbent Tlicho Grand Chief George Mackenzie will run against Eddie Erasmus, Charlie J. Nitsiza and former grand chief Joe Rabesca in the election slated for Sept. 14.

Tony Rabesca, the Tlicho government's language, culture and communications director, said the “trail of ancestors” canoe trip served as an example of the unity that so many Tlicho citizens seek.

"One of the things that the Tlicho believe is that if we all work together and be as one, then we can achieve, you know, anything. Anything's possible," he said. "And that's what they're also bringing to the leaders, to strengthen the unity so we can continue working together for a better future of the next generation."

Clifford Daniels, newly elected chief of Behchoko, said the gathering allowed community members to have their say in a public forum and offer "constructive criticism" to their chiefs.

"There were numerous recommendations that were kind of put forward on the floor, some harsh statements, but I think that's just them being stern for us to possibly have a good working relationship moving forward," Daniels said.

During the assembly, members of the public emphasized the need for effective communication among the leaders themselves and between leaders and the public. They also expressed a strong desire to see greater representation of elders within the government and improved housing within their communities.

"Overall I think the main topic was kind of to reunite and build the unity back up again and to move forward and try to have an impact on the next four years coming," Daniels said, adding that he hoped community members would see a lot of progress made on their recommendations by next year's assembly.

"I cannot say what is going to be done, but I'm pretty sure we'll fulfill some of them and work on the others. But we'll keep them updated," he said.