'We will change the world': Norman Yakeleya elected new Dene national chief

Norman Yakeleya is the new Dene national chief.

Hundreds of delegates from across the Northwest Territories and beyond cast their ballots in Hay River, N.W.T., on Wednesday at the 48th annual Dene National Assembly.

The results were announced late Wednesday evening. Of the 232 votes cast,Yakeleyareceived 96, Eileen Marlowe received 75, and RichardEdjericonreceived 61.

• Overcrowding and weather hamper start ofDeneNational Assembly

"It's a real humbling, humbling experience to go through,"Yakeleyasaid in his acceptance speech shortly after he was sworn in.

"I want to thank you people for bestowing this honour. It's a privilege to be a servant of you, of theDenepeople, and to serve you."

Yakeleyais a former negotiator for theSahtu, a chief and councillor inTulitaand a former MLA for theSahtuin the Northwest Territories Legislature. He's originally fromTulitaand now lives in Yellowknife.

"We will change the world," he told delegates. "The Dene will be the ones to change the world."

He succeeds Bill Erasmus, who officially leavesthe post of Dene national chief after nearly three decades.

Speaking after Yakeleya's acceptance speech, Erasmus choked up as he invited his daughter, Sarah, to address the delegates. People clapped and cheered as he paused.

"I'm getting emotional because when I was elected, she was one yearold," he said.

Erasmuslater added,"My advice is we all have to give support to Norman, our full support."

The Dene Nation, which was originally the Indian Brotherhood of the Northwest Territories, was founded in 1969 partially in response to a controversial government White Paper that suggested Indigenous people assimilate into wider Canadian society.

It was once responsible for negotiating a comprehensive land claim for all Dene and Mtis in the territory. Today, it's become a political organization that advocates for Dene rights.

• IN DEPTH | Road to West Point: A history of the Dene Nation

More than 350 delegates were eligible to vote Wednesday 46 Gwich'in, 46 Sahtu, 62 Tlicho, 67 Dehcho, 54 Akaitcho, and 104 independents.

According to the chief electoral officer, based on registration numbers, about 240 delegateswere expected to vote.

Hundreds gathered for the first day of the Dene National Assembly on Tuesday in Hay River, N.W.T., in an overcrowded venue, in scorching heat.

It was moved to the town's arena for election day, although with a full crowd people still had to stand due to lack of seats.

Wednesday began with a speech from each of the candidates, followed by a question-and-answer period. Many elders and leaders said the new chief will be tasked with bringing the organization forward.

Following his win, Yakeleyasaid he wants to initiate an elders council, as well as a youth council and a women's council.

"Look out, world," he said."Look out, government. Because we're here to stay."