Dene National Chief Gerald Antoine
The Dene Nation is calling for a full, independent public inquiry to begin as soon as possible into the Northwest Territories 2023 Wildfire response.
A state of emergency was called and 13 communities including Behchoko, Fort Smith, Salt River First Nation, Smith Landing First Nation, Jean Marie River, West Point First Nation, Hay River, K’atl’odeeche First Nation, Enterprise, Ndilǫ, Dettah, Yellowknife and Kakisa were evacuated.
Dene National Chief Gerald Antoine says there is much to discuss about the wildfire experience this summer.
“Some people were away from their home community and unsettled in unfamiliar surroundings for over a month. The community of Enterprise was almost completely destroyed and West Point First Nation, the town of Hay River, and K’atl’odeeche reserve were evacuated twice. We must discuss lessons learned and how to prepare for next spring and into the future.”
The Dene Nation is calling for the full independent public inquiry to begin as soon as possible. Some of the fires are expected to burn underground all winter and resurface in the spring.
Antoine concluded by emphasizing the need to incorporate Dene knowledge into future emergency responses to wildfires.
“Our people have been here since the beginning of time and have always relied on our own understanding of the land and the environment around us to maintain a healthy lifestyle,” he said. “Clearly, emergency management and response in the NWT must incorporate the expertise of the Dene.”
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