Utoo Radio with Other News Sources - May 29, 2024 - A record number of candidates are running for the Dene National Chief position in Fort Good Hope, New Westminster, Canada.

The election will take place on July 24 at the Dene National Assembly. Online voting will open on July 14 and run until July 24, while in-person ballots can be cast at the assembly.

Six candidates have been named for the role, which doubles as the N.W.T. regional chief for the Assembly of First Nations.

Phil Moon Sun, the CEO of Dene Nation, said this appears to be the highest number of candidates on record to run for the role. The election will be conducted using a hybrid format of in-person and electronic voting. Nominations opened on April 26 and closed on May 24, with only six accepted.

This includes incumbent Gerald Antoine, his predecessor Norman Yak'e ula, former Tłı̨chǫ grand chief George Mackenzie, Kátł'odeeche First Nation Chief April Martel, former Sahtu MLA Paulie Chinna and former Smith's Landing First Nation chief Gerry Cheezie.

The Dene National Chief election is delegated, with communities selecting and appointing delegates to attend the assembly and vote. Those unable to vote in person can do so online.

The Dene Nation used online voting in the Dene National Chief election in 2021, despite the COVID pandemic. Candidates are not allowed to use the Dene Nation's administrative resources for the campaign and must use their own resources.