George Mackenzie elected next Dene National chief

George Mackenzie has been elected as the next Dene National chief.

"It's a relief. It's an honour. Long day," Mackenzie told CBC after the results were announced Thursday night at the Dene National Assembly in Dettah, N.W.T.

Mackenzie was elected with 136 votes. The next-closest was Gerry Cheezie with 100 votes.

Mackenzie, a formerTch grand chief, was one of a record number of candidates six in total to put their names forward. His election comes after three rounds of voting Thursday.

He thanked both those who voted for him and those who did not.

"We have to learn to work with everybody, and we will work together," he said.

He also had words of encouragement for the five candidates who weren't elected.

"It's not easy to put your name forward. There's always one winner. I went through that more than once, and I want to take my hat off to them for putting their name in," he said.

Mackenzie said he wanted to run because he thinks the Dene Nation needs to be stronger.

"If we rebuild and we're strong together, we can accomplish anything," he said.

In a statement posted to Facebook, April Martel, the chief ofKt'odeeche Frst Natonand one of the candidates, congratulated Mackenzie on his win.

"I am honoured to have made it to round two with Gerry Cheezie and George Mackenzie and wish them success in building a prosperous Dene Nation," she wrote.

In another post, Kele Antoine, the chief ofdl K First Nation, thanked all the candidates who ran, including outgoing Dene National chief Gerald Antoine.

"Your dedication and tireless efforts have made a significant impact on all of us, and your legacy of service will continue to inspire future generations," he wrote.