Fort Simpson Dene woman advocates for more political matriarchs, Indigenous success

By Kody Ferron, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Yellowknifer After this year’s 56th Dene National Assembly, one Fort Simpson resident had some harsh words for leadership, including how regretful she was that she couldn’t attend, and sees a need for more women at the decision-making table. “I’m just so disheartened that there is no money to bring people who are members-at-large and are not directly involved in the regional or local Indigenous governance systems,” said Cheryl Cli, regarding the assembly, held at the Chief Lamalice Centre on the K’atl’odeeche First Nation from Sept.