Former chief's legacy lives on in leadership
Daniel Sonfrere dead a week shy of 98th birthday
Paul Bickford
Northern News Services
Thursday, September 1, 2016
K'ATLODEECHE/HAY RIVER RESERVE
Daniel Sonfrere - a respected elder, former chief, visionary and statesman with K'atlodeeche First Nation (KFN) - has passed away.
In 2013, Daniel Sonfrere was presented the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his years of service to K'atlodeeche First Nation and beyond. He died Aug. 24 a week shy of his 98th birthday. - NNSL file photo
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Sonfrere died on Aug. 24, one week before what would have been his 98th birthday.
Upon his passing, he was remembered for his many contributions to his First Nation, particularly when he was chief for about a half-dozen years in the 1970s.
In 1974, he was chief when the Hay River Reserve was founded.
"Daniel was always looking ahead, anticipating what the future would bring and making decisions to shape that future," stated Chief Roy Fabian in a news release.
"His determination and leadership in establishing the Hay River Dene Reserve, in spite of fierce opposition from the Town of Hay River, was remarkable. We collectively owe him a great deal of gratitude."
Fabian said in an interview that Sonfrere was also instrumental in pushing for the 1993 Dehcho Declaration, in which the Dehcho First Nations stated their inherent rights and powers.
And he was involved in the formation of the Dene Nation.
"He made huge, huge contributions to the Dene people in the North," said Fabian. "But to me the biggest contribution in the last 10 to 20 years has been him just being a Dene. He was such a strong spiritual Dene person."
Along with being a role model, the chief said Sonfrere advised many leaders around the NWT.
"Leaders came to him," said Fabian. "People came to him asking him for advice and he just provided it. He did the best he could to try to support the young people in their endeavours and he encouraged them. But he always said, 'Stay Dene.'"
The chief said Sonfrere was one of the last real Dene, a man who cared for and loved the people and the land.
Sonfrere also loved Dene culture and spoke mostly only in the Dene Zhatie language.
"He understood English, but he preferred to talk the Dene language," said Fabian.
Sonfrere was also a highly respected hunter and trapper.
National Chief Bill Erasmus of the Dene Nation also praised Sonfrere.
"Chief Daniel Sonfrere was solid in his commitment to have Dene treaty and aboriginal rights put into effect," stated Erasmus in e-mail comments. "He was one of three remaining former chiefs still alive who took the Canadian government to court regarding outstanding Treaty 8 and 11 rights, promises, provisions and privileges. In 1973, Dene Nation chiefs proved in the Supreme Court of the NWT that their treaties with Great Britain were of peace and friendship."
Sonfrere will be missed by his people and others that respect justice in Canada, said Erasmus.
"He knew that it would take time for other people to come to terms with Dene title. That is what we have to continue to work on today. Perhaps by 2017 when Canada becomes 150 years old his work will be understood."
Deh Cho MLA Michael Nadli, whose electoral district includes the Hay River Reserve, said Sonfrere was fundamentally strong on Dene values and principles.
"And he always reminded us young leaders to always try to be conscious of why we serve in these positions," said Nadli.
"In that role, he was very effective. I think a lot of leaders also sought his counsel in terms of advice."
The MLA said it will be very hard to see a person like Sonfrere again.
In 2013, Sonfrere was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his contributions to KFN and beyond, and for his decades of leadership, service and inspiration.
