Three candidates vying to be next Dene National Chief

Three candidates have been confirmed for the upcoming election to be the next Dene National Chief.

Richard Edjericon, Eileen Marlowe and Norman Yakeleya are running for the position, according to a news release from election officer Lynda Comerford.

Edjericonis a formerYellowknivesDeneFirst Nation chief forDettahandchaired the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board.

Marlowe has been involved with theAkaitchoTreaty 8 Tribal Corporation.

Yakeleya isa former Sahtu MLA from Tulitaandannounced his candidacy earlier this week.

• Norman Yakeleya 1st to announce candidacy for Dene National Chief

Chief Bill Erasmus announced earlier this year that he would not be seeking re-election. He was first elected to the position in 1987.

• Dene National Chief Bill Erasmus says he won't seek re-election

According to Comerford, the election will take place during the 48th Dene National Assembly at West Point First Nation, near Hay River. It is expected to take place from Aug. 20-22, with the election happening on Aug. 22.

Erasmus will remain as national chief until the assembly.

The next chief will serve for three years, according to Comerfeld.