LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON
People, not politics, are what the new leader of Liidlii Kue First Nation said she will be focusing on.
Newly elected Liidlii Kue First Nation Chief Minnie Letcher, front centre, stands surrounded by the band council after a swearing in ceremony on April 11 conducted by RCMP Sgt. Rob Gallant, right. The band councillors include, from left, back row, Jonathan Tsetso, Cindy Browning and Steven Jose; front row, from left, Emma Amundson and William Cli-Michaud. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo
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Minnie Letcher was elected duirng a byelection on April 10 with 73 votes. She was one of eight candidates for the position in Fort Simpson.
Letcher has never been a chief or band councillor before. She said her background, however, is ideally suited for the position.
Letcher, who has a masters degree in social work, is retired and formerly worked as the director of community programs and services for Dehcho Health and Social Services, a role that gave her lots of experience in administration and management. Being a leader is not all about politics, said Letcher – it's about the day-to-day reality of the people.
"I believe two-thirds is your people and one-third is politics," she said.
People's basic needs are not that complex, she said. They want reassurance that they have their leader's ear and that their leader will address the issues, Letcher said.
Letcher, who describes her type of leadership as inclusive, plans to provide lots of opportunities for band members to get involved in various aspects of Liidlii Kue First Nation, including all decisions related to governance.
"It's about individuals being proud of making a difference," she said.
Letcher said she expects a working group will be formed to make recommendations to the band council about whether the election code, dating back to 2003, needs to be updated.
Some people have already stepped forward and said they want to be involved in the the work the First Nation will be doing, Letcher said. Youth members have also said they want to have a voice. Letcher plans to contact the schools in Fort Simpson to let them know when the band council and other meetings will be held so students can attend.
Although her primary focus is on the band members, Letcher said when the time comes to look outward the First Nation will also be calling on members for input and direction on regional and territorial issues.
Was approached
Letcher, who also ran in the last band election in June, said she was approached by elders and band members about running again in this election. When she was confident she had enough support, she put her name forward to become a candidate.
"It's not a decision you take lightly," she said.
Letcher said she was very humbled to be elected. She said she trusted people would make the right decision, whether it was to elect her or someone else.
"My role is really to pull the people together," she said.
Members believe and trust that we can move forward in a positive and meaningful way, she said.
In her leadership Letcher said she will be following advice from elders who have told her that if people stay rooted in the traditional ways and use them as their guide the road ahead can be very positive. She is fluent in Dene Zhatie and is proficient in Dogrib and Chipewyan. Letcher said maintaining the traditions and culture is very important to her.
Letcher, who was sworn into office the day after her election, said she has received support from the existing band councillors.
"I take the direction from the council," she said.
Letcher said the council will set the tone and she and the First Nation's staff will move their directions forward.
During the meeting on April 11, council approved the strategic plan that was developed in October and will be used as the band's mandate.
A byelection was needed after former chief Keyna Norwegian was removed from her position by the band council.
