Premier Caroline Cochrane has issued a formal statement regarding the sudden passing of Chief Edward Sangris:
“I, along with residents of N’dilo, Dettah, Yellowknife and the Northwest Territories, am saddened to hear of the passing of Chief Edward (Eddie) Sangris.
“I remember Chief Eddie from when we were children, and he would travel from Dettah to Yellowknife by dog team. He was proud of his Dettah home then, and he continued all his life to represent his community. Hailing from a strong line of Dene leaders, he would go on to become a prominent leader in the territory, where he would serve as a Yellowknives Dene Chief for 16 years.
“Throughout his leadership, the Yellowknives Dene First Nation (YKDFN) celebrated many great achievements including the introduction of a housing strategy designed to improve the wellbeing of YKDFN members, and the successful growth of the Det’on Cho Corporation, which has strengthened the economic self-sufficiency of the YKDFN. He guided his community through various challenges including those posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and recent wildfires.
“Being a leader is frequently challenging. Chief Eddie led with passion, love and a great sense of humour. It was an honour to know him, and to work with him. My condolences to Chief Eddie’s family.”
