Norman Yakeleya 1st to announce candidacy for Dene National Chief

Norman Yakeleya has announced he will be running for Dene National Chief, making this the first official announcement of candidacy for the position.

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Nominations for candidates closed Monday. A full list of candidates is expected Thursday, according to the DeneNation.

Earlier this year,the long-tenured national chief of the Dene Nation Bill Erasmus announced that he will not be seeking re-election.

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In a news release Tuesday,Yakeleya, from Tulita, N.W.T.,said he will stand forDenerights and community, including issues surrounding health and social programming,housing developmentandyouth empowerment, among others.

Yakelayasaid his platform focuses on "culture, unity, and healing."

"These are very important to the people ofDenedeh," he said in the release.

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Yakeleya served three terms in the territory's Legislative Assembly, starting in 2003. He was the chief negotiator of the Sahtu Dene and Mtis Land Claims, and of the Tulita self-governments and framework agreements.

He also served as a councillor and as a chief for Tulita. He was alsothe chairman of theSahtuTribal Council.

The election is scheduled for Aug. 20 to 24.