Building unity a top priority, says new grand chief of the Dehcho First Nations

The newly elected grand chief of the Dehcho First Nations (DFN) says building unity is a top priority for her in her new role.

Gladys Norwegian, who is also a former chief of Jean Marie River, N.W.T., was elected as grand chief on July 24. She told CBC she intends to "reach out" to communities in the territorythat have left the ongoing land claims negotiation process between the DFNand the Canadian government.

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That includes the Acho Dene Koe First Nation in Fort Liard, the first to pull out of the organization a decadeago. It subsequently began its own land claim negotiations with the territorial and federal governments.

Norwegian saidher goal is to contact them, and "have some really good communication going."

She said her first visit will betoNahanniButte on Friday.

Norwegian said she wants to take a collaborative approach with the Dehcho bands to decide how to respond to the federal government's recent land claim offer, which the DFNreceived in the spring.

Our First Nations people need strong leadership, especially in a time like this.- Gladys Norwegian

"That is a huge item that we really have to put our heads together on and let them know from here," she said.

The latestoffer received negative feedback from members of the First Nationsat a general assembly in Wrigley last week.

TheDehcho have been in land claim negotiations with the federal government for 19 years.

First woman in the role

Norwegianis the first woman to take on the leadership role of grand chief.

She said she has heard from many young women who are happy about her win, and have sent her congratulatory messages.

"I'm very happy about that," she said. "Woman or not if you think you have the ability and skills, nothing should stop you from trying. Our First Nations people need strong leadership, especially in a time like this."

Norwegian said her advice tofuture leaders is to build relationships with elders and understand the importance of "working with people and developing a very good relationship modelling the way."

"Have a really good shared vision for sure," she said.

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Norwegian also said she knows that others are watching her performance.

"It doesn't feel bad that people are listening and watching but they are."

Norwegian comes from a political family. Her father, Louie Norwegian,was also once chief of Jean Marie River andwas known for his innovative decision to build a school in the community so that children would no longerbe taken away to residential schools.

With files fromLawrence Nayally