Dene Nation
Meetings in Yellowknife

The Elders Council is established to advise the Dene Leadership and Dene people on all issues concerning Denendeh. The Dene people have always valued and depended on the advice of the Elders. The Elders had provided invaluable information at past meetings regarding traditional and cultural issues of the Dene people. At the 32nd Dene National Assembly at Liidlii Kue in July 2002, the establishment of the Elders Council was included in the amended Dene Nation Constitution and By-laws. A motion was passed supporting an Elders Gathering, which then took place at Tulit'a in March 2002. The decisive step to create an Elders Council was taken in June 2000 at the Leadership meeting in Aklavik. The Elders Council will operate as an advisory council and through its collective wisdom and knowledge it will reinforce the vision an mission statement of Dene Nation. The Elders Council will also provide advice on traditional knowledge, cultural and spiritual values. They will assist in addressing membership concerns arising from various internal and external activities; make recommendations regarding language, tradition and culture; and assist in making decisions on these issues. In order to document and use their wisdom and traditional knowledge, the Elders Council is created pursuant to Section 5 Sub-section 1 l(f) of the amended Dene Nation Constitution and By-laws.