Dene Nation to Host Leadership Discussion on Justice and State of Emergency in Denedeh

Press Release

MARCH 18, 2025 -– The Dene Nation declared a state of emergency in July 2024 regarding the impact of illegal drug activity in Denendeh. Community leaders have expressed severe impacts of this epidemic which has tragically taken too many of our people. The Dene Nation expresses our heartfelt condolences to the families and community of Fort Providence.

Dene National Chief George Mackenzie emphasized the importance of this upcoming discussion, stating, “Our communities are facing a crisis that requires immediate and united action. The Leadership Discussion in April will be a crucial step in addressing the harms that threaten the well-being of our people. We must come together to find solutions that protect our communities and preserve our way of life.”

The Dene Nation will address the RCMP and other authorities to push for more resources to address the drug crisis. The resolution passed at the assembly calls for a collaborative approach, involving all appropriate authorities, to safeguard Dene communities. The Dene Nation is set to host a Leadership discussion on Justice and the State of Emergency in Denendeh. This significant event is scheduled for April 2025 and aims to bring together Dene leaders and relevant authorities to address the ongoing crisis and develop actionable solutions.

Dene National Chief Mackenzie reinforced the words of the Dene Leaders from the last Dene Leadership meeting held in February in Deline. “We need to find ways to provide community support and resources. Ability to screen persons at our boarders and remove people who cause harm from Denendeh. Developing strategies and paths for individuals affected by addiction, provide rehabilitation services to help them maintain wellness until they are stable not just during the treatment phase. It is our responsibility to provide reality based education about the harms of these activities. There must be a focus on educational programs to raise awareness about the dangers of drug use. Fund healthy lifestyles among the youth with incentives to maintain wellness. Community and regional justice prevention and policies must have a place in solutions to cut these dealers off before they dig into a community. It is time for policy changes and legislative measures that strengthen the fight against illegal drugs and support community safety.”

The Dene Nation is committed to working partners to ensure the safety and well-being of its communities. The Leadership Discussion in April 2025 will serve as a platform for open dialogue, knowledge sharing, and the development of concrete action plans to address the state of emergency in Denendeh.

George Mackenzie,

Dene National Chief & AFN Regional Chief for the Northwest Territories

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For more information, please contact:

Leanne Goose, Communications Dene Nation

communications@deneneation.com

PH: 587-986-6215

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