b'MESSAGE FROM THE REGIONAL CHIEFMESSAGE FROM THEDENE NATIONAL CHIEFAND REGIONAL CHIEFFOR THENORTHWEST TERRITORIES Norman YakeleyaO ne of the many things thatNorman Yakeleya and worked on committees after their unite us as First Nationsregular jobs were over, I offer you my people is our strong sensedeepest mashi cho (thank you). Your of community. In momentsAFN Regional Chief, NWTcontributions have helped unifyof great need, our people dont just5125-50th Street, 1st Floor, our people and strengthen ourrecognize the importance of looking afterP.O. Box 2338collective voice. one anotherthey put it into action.Yellowknife, NTX1A 2P2 Throughout this ongoing COVID-19Email: nyakeleya@afn.caAs you flip through this last issue of the pandemic, Ive witnessed our peoplePh: 613-859-5063AFNs The Circle magazine, you will honour their duty to community likeFax: 867-920-2254 meet outstanding individuals setting never before. I am grateful for all theexcellent examples for all of us about people in our respective Nations who,our relationship to each other and our without question, are ensuring ourcommunities. These people saw great Elders are safe and cared for duringneeds in their Nations and beyond these uncertain times, preparing mealsand took action simply to make life and supplies for people that need extrathis year. We would not have reached thisbetter for others. I hope their stories support right now, giving their timesignificant milestone if it werent for theinspire you to think about how you can to guard border checkpoints and whocountless volunteers who have supportedcontribute to creating a bright future continue to support their communitysour cause. Though some have done a lotfor those around you.response to this global crisis in manyof hard work quietly behind the scenes,Mashi, different ways. To me, thats what thetheir efforts and dedication to our Nation spirit of volunteerism is all about are worthy of the greatest recognition.Thank you, people giving their whole self for theTo all the people who freely lent theirNorman Yakeleya betterment and protection of expertise and guidance, rolled up theirDene National Chief their community.sleeves to set up and make our assembliesRegional Chief forThe Dene Nation of Northwestrun smoothly, prepared meals and servedthe Northwest Territories Territories celebrates its 50th anniversaryElders, mentored our children and youthAssembly of First Nations34 The Circle Winter Issue 1 2020'