MLTC Dene Vice Chief Lawrence McIntyre, former chief of English River First Nation. (submitted photo/Lawrence McIntyre)

By Nicole Reis

DENE VICE CHIEF

Historical moment for MLTC as new Dene Vice Chief joins council

Aug 17, 2020 | 5:15 PM

Meadow Lake Tribal Council (MLTC) has a new Dene Vice Chief who was voted in council on August 14 during an open-air election at English River First Nation.

Lawrence McIntyre, former chief of English River First Nation won the seat after 49 voting delegates cast their ballot. The reinstatement of the role is a historical moment as there has not been a Dene Vice Chief in over 10 years.

“I would be advocating with other Dene chiefs in terms of program funding and other projects they’re pursuing,” he told meadowlakeNOW. “We would also look at areas of Treaty 10, Treaty 8 and Treaty 6.”

The new vice chief will work with all nine First Nation chiefs and councils to address common issues with one voice. Some of the issues include areas of community wellness, housing and advocacy for social issues.

“I would like to thank my nominators, Chief Frances Iron from Canoe Lake and Chief Jerry Bernard from English River First Nation, and all those who believe in me,” McIntyre said.

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Vice Chief Richard Derocher said the new role will allow for additional representation within all nine First Nations.

“Of course, it’s an added voice,” Derocher said. “We will still represent all nine First Nations through both the Dene and Cree Vice Chiefs as well as through the Tribal Chief.”

When a Dene chief was in place over 10 years ago, communities were looking for a single administrator. Now, communities have asked for more representation.

“The administration and leadership of MLTC hears the communities and that’s why we had this election,” Derocher said.

The election was originally planned for the week of March 23, though due to the pandemic, MLTC closed their doors temporarily on March 16. The election was held outdoors where two distinct polling spots were organized with less than 30 people each.

Voters included members from chief and council within all nine bands.

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nicole.reis@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @nicolereis7722