SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Former chief Darrell Beaulieu has three words for those running for Yellowknives Dene First Nation council: Know your role.

The comments came at Wednesday's all-candidates' forum at Dettah's Chief Drygeese Government Building and Conference Centre.

"You've got to be clear on what your role is. You are our government, not administrators," said Beaulieu. "Who's getting hired, who's getting fired ... it's none of council's business. Your role is to be a leader."

Beaulieu's comments were followed by a round of applause by the approximately 25 band members in attendance. They were also echoed by other community members who said the tension caused by council members being involved in hiring and firing, and over whether a person is 'traditional' enough, is dividing the community

"My daughter is at the top of her class in English, and I am so proud of her. But she tells me that people say mean things to her," one member said to the candidates. "People say mean things to me. I don't want to go to feasts and drum dances anymore."

All candidates, and seemingly all members, agreed that encouraging traditional values, helping people live healthy, sober lives, and settling land claims were top priorities.

Mary Rose Sundberg said that if elected to council, she would support establishing a family treatment centre for the community that would allow for home visits, where she believes people may be more willing to talk about their problems.

Paul Betsina, an incumbent councillor running in Ndilo, filled an empty seat at the forum left open by Nuni Sanspariel, who couldn't make it due to the road closure between Fort Providence and Behchoko. Betsina said ensuring the survival of traditional languages has to start at home.

"It has to start with the parents," said Betsina. "And kids need to put down the video games. You aren't going to learn anything from them."

Betsina also suggested that he would like to see traditional languages translated, so they could be used on popular technological devices.

Sharlene Sundberg was at the forum representing the Dettah Youth Council, whose questions centred around what the candidates would do to support youth activities in the community.

All candidates agreed that having sports and recreational activities for youth, including spending time on the land, plays an important role in keeping youth out of trouble and they all said they would volunteer in such events.

The all-candidates forum for Ndilo was held last night at the Ndilo Gym.

The candidates are vying for five seats in each

community.

Fact file

Council Candidates

Dettah Candidates:

Liza Pieper (incumbent)

Alfred Baillargeon (incumbent)

Nuni Sanspariel (incumbent)

Jonas Sangris

Mary Rose Sundberg

Peter D. Sangris

Ndilo Candidates:

Shirley Tsetta (incumbent)

Peter John Goulet (incumbent)

Roy Erasmus Sr. (incumbent)

Paul Betsina (incumbent)

Cecelie Beaulieu (incumbent)

Napoleon Mackenzie

Philip Liske

Bob Turner

Christine Goulet

Lena Ann Black

Lisa Colas

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