The community of Tsiigehtchic has officially completed its transition into a Hamlet.
This follows the swearing in of the first ever Tsiigehtchic Hamlet Council on January 15th. This was the final step in changing the area from a charter community.
The community officially gained Hamlet status in July of 2024, which then saw the establishment of two separate government bodies: a hamlet council and a band council.
This completed Hamlet status now means that the operations of the community government can run a bit more smoothly and are clearly separated from each other. All residents are now also able to vote and run for their own Mayor and Council positions.
Vince McKay, the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs with the GNWT, said in a statement that this development “marks an important milestone for the residents of Tsiigehtchic, a public vote was held on December 9th, 2024 with great turnout and the results of the election were clear. Providing direct support to the Hamlet of Tsiigehtchic is an important step towards the GNWT’s goal of building stronger relationships with community governments and residents. The GNWT would like to congratulate the newly elected Mayor and Councillors.”
Officially sworn in on Wednesday was Mayor James Roland VanLoon, as well as the following Councillors:
- James Andre
- Davina Benoit-Cardinal
- Charlene Blake
- Dinah Blake
- Georgie Niditchie
- Peter Ross
- Shalene Shae
- Brian Smith
The process to become a Hamlet was first submitted by Tsiigehtchic residents in 2019.
