Behchoko prepares to host Tlicho assembly

Residents of Behchoko, N.W.T., spent the long weekend getting ready for the fifth annual Tlicho assembly, which begins Tuesday.

As many as 1,000 delegates from the surrounding communities of Gameti, Whati and Wekweeti are expected to converge upon Behchoko for the aboriginal government's assembly.

"I'm pretty sure that everybody's trying to prepare for the people coming in, around their houses and that ... and you have employees here putting up tents, cooking areas, eating areas," said Clifford Daniels, who takes over as Behchoko's chief on Tuesday.

During the assembly, which runs through Thursday, delegates will hear from candidates seeking the job of Tlicho grand chief.

To date, only current Grand Chief George Mackenzie has publicly stated that he will seek a second term. Anyoneelse who wants to run has until Thursday to submit a nomination.

Mackenzie has led the Tlicho formerly known as the Dogrib through the first four years since their land claim and self-government agreement was ratified in 2005.

The assembly will also feature the swearing-in of new community chiefs, the presentation of the Tlicho government's financial report and an open forum.

Delegates will also enjoy a number of Tlicho cultural activities, such as drumming, dancing and Dene hand games.

"We unite ourselves through a gathering like this through our cultural events through eating together, having meeting[s] together, dancing together, praying together," said Mackenzie.

"All that is a celebration of Tlicho people, and that's what I look forward to."

People in Behchoko, with a population of about 2,000, have prepared for the week's activities by erecting a temporary kitchen and stocking up on enough groceries to feed assembly delegates.

"We've been quite busy for quite some time now. We've been working with the Tlicho government, organizing the menus, bringing in the food," said David Bown, manager of the local Northern Store.

"We have a big trailer in front of our store with most of the frozen meat in it. We've also brought in most of the produce, just about everything. We're preparing to feed people."