Faculty

François Paulette is A Dene Suline and member of the Smith’s Landing Treaty 8 First Nation. He survived the residential school system before going on to become the youngest Chief in the NWT Indian Brotherhood in 1971. Over the next decade, he served as Chief in his own community and as Vice-Chief of the Dene Nation. In 1972, along with sixteen other chiefs from the Mackenzie Valley, he challenged the crown to recognize treaty and aboriginal rights and title to over 450,000 square miles of land in the historic Paulette case. He was also an outspoken advocate of treaty and aboriginal rights during the Berger Inquiry into the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline and in appearances before the National Energy Board.

As Chief Negotiator for Smith’s Landing First Nation, François drew on his negotiation skills training from the Harvard and Banff Schools of Management and worked diligently to conclude a Final Settlement Agreement in 2000. He continues to serve as a consultant and negotiator for other First Nations, notably the Łutsel k’e Dene First Nation as they participate in the creation of the Thaydene Nene National Park. He also continues to involve himself in efforts to protect the natural environment of Denendeh.

John B. Zoe is a member of the Tłįchǫ First Nation, born and raised and continues to reside in Behchokǫ̀ in the Northwest Territories. In the early years his community spoke only the traditional language, and stories were an every day natural routine. John became involved with Elders and community resource persons to revive the trails of our ancestor’s annual canoe trip where elders and youth share their experiences. The annual canoe trip is now on the 16th year and the experiences also revived and gave deeper meaning to our stories. John became the Chief Negotiator for the Dogrib (now Tłįchǫ) in 1992 to help settle the Land Claim and Self Government for the Tribe through negotiations with the Governments of Canada and the Northwest Territories. With the help of a team of tribal members and Elder Advisors, the negotiations were completed, approved and given effect on August 4, 2005. The Agreement is built on the stories that he and the team have heard, and with the help of the Elders, we have now added to the story. John is now the Tłįchǫ Executive Officer for the recognized Tłįchǫ Government, and the major part of his work is in managing the development of the governance and corporate structures.

Therese and Modeste Sangris teach Indigenous Medicines, Nutrition and Governance at Dechinta. Modeste and Therese were born in Dettah in 1939 and 1946 respectively. An arranged marriage, Therese only spoke Chipewyan and English and Modeste spoke only Dogrib when they met. They learned each others languages and have been married for 46 years. Modeste and Therese first began cultural teaching at Blachford over twenty years ago. Now lead Elder Professors at Dechinta, Therese teaches students how to survive using traditional nutrition. Modeste teaches traditional skills, setting nets under the ice in winter, settings traps, and fish nets. Through their cooperation and stories, Therese and Modeste demonstrate healthy and supportive relationships rooted in Dene history and values.

Lois Edge is a PhD Candidate in Educational Policy Studies with a specialization in Indigenous Peoples Education at the University of Alberta where she received a Master of Arts degree in Social and Cultural Anthropology in 2001. Her doctoral research considers the relationship of participation in traditional cultural activities, such as beadwork, to Indigenous identity, lifelong learning and well-being. Her work in the fields of Indigenous education and Aboriginal health includes participation in several Indigenous knowledge research initiatives involving collaboration with Aboriginal community members, Indigenous knowledge holders and multiple stakeholders. Lois is Academic Coordinator with the Centre for World Indigenous Knowledge and Research at Athabasca University. She is a Gwich’in/Cree Métis from Fort Smith, Northwest Territories.

Glen Coulthard is a Weledeh Dene (Yellowknives Dene First Nation), holds a PhD from Department of Political Science at the University of Victoria and was recently appointed as an assistant professor, faculty of Native Studies, University of British Columbia. Glen was born in Sǫ̀mba K’è (Yellowknife) and grew up in Norman Wells, Northwest Territories, and Kelowna, British Columbia. Before pursuing his doctorate, Glen earned an undergraduate degree in Native Studies and Philosophy at the University of Alberta and then a Masters degree in the Indigenous Governance Programs at the University of Victoria. Glen’s current research interests include contemporary political theory, the politics of Indigenous self-determination in Canada, Dene history and politics, and radical social and political thought. His dissertation critically examined the politics of recognition in light of the work of anti-colonial theorist Frantz Fanon.