BEHCHOKO/RAE-EDZO - Joe Rabesca was sworn in as Tlicho grand chief last Wednesday after a four-year respite from politics.

Joe Rabesca was sworn in as Tlicho grand chief last Wednesday after a four-year respite from politics. - NNSL file photo

Tlicho voters elected Rabesca with 583 votes on Sept. 14. Edward Erasmus came in second with 366 votes, incumbent George Mackenzie came third with 341 votes and former Whati chief Charlie Jim Nitsiza finished fourth with 251 votes. Roughly 75 per cent of eligible voters cast their ballots.

Rabesca, 61, has worked with the Tlicho nation for more than 30 years and served as grand chief prior to Mackenzie's leadership, during negotiations leading up to the 2005 signing of the Tlicho self-government and land claims agreements.

Since the election, Rabesca has been participating in orientation sessions with other community leaders to come up with ways to improve communication between the Tlicho nation and the public – one of the major reasons he decided to get back into politics.

"I watched them for four years, and they were having problems – people were fighting among themselves," he said. "Communication was a big factor and there was very little that was done about it because it was a new government and people thought they could just go on their own and do things they way they want. But this is an aboriginal government, the first of its kind up here."

"We're going to have to make a lot of changes."

The chiefs are considering setting aside a day for the public during their regular government meetings in each community, as an opportunity for residents to ask questions and speak their minds.

"Our priority is that we want to work with people," Rabesca said, adding he's confident in his ability to lead the Tlicho.

"It's going to be a big job, but that's OK. I've been there before and I've got to work with 12 members so I'm not alone," he said. "By the election, it shows that a lot of people are supporting me and I'll be there for them as long as they're there for me."

After the election results were announced, Mackenzie said he would take a break and "get some rest" before figuring out his next step.

"In all my years of being involved with Tlicho politics in a leadership role, I've contributed where ever I could, and I still would want to contribute for the sake of the Tlicho people and especially the young people. I think I still have some skills that I can offer, maybe as part of the organizations, if I am called upon," Mackenzie said.

"I don't intend to just withdraw myself from my people."