Dahti Tsetso Joins the Indigenous Leadership Initiative as Deputy Director
INDIGENOUS LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE
Ottawa: February 2, 2021: The Indigenous Leadership Initiative (ILI) has named Dahti Tsetso as its new deputy director. Tsetso is Tłı̨chǫ Dene and played a leading role in the launch and operation of the Dehcho K'éhodi Stewardship and Guardians Program and the establishment of the Edéhzhíe Dehcho Protected Area and National Wildlife Area.
“I am honoured to join the Indigenous Leadership Initiative and support the development of Indigenous-led stewardship and Guardian programs all across Canada. These initiatives represent hope. They will lead the way towards a better future, not just for our communities, but for all Canadians.”
Before joining the ILI, Tsetso served as the director of Lands & Resources for Dehcho First Nations in Fort Simpson, Northwest Territories. She worked collaboratively with the Nation’s ten member communities to develop a Guardians program that approaches conservation from the Dene perspective. The Dehcho K'éhodi program is founded on honouring the Dene Laws, strengthening the Dene language, and fostering connections between Elders and youth and currently employs about 20 Guardians a year.
In her roles with Dehcho First Nations, Tsetso led a team that finalized negotiations to protect Edéhzhíe, a 14,200-square-kilometre sweep of boreal forest, headwater lakes and caribou grounds west of Yellowknife. In July 2018, the Dehcho Assembly passed a resolution to permanently protect Edéhzhíe as a Dehcho Protected Area under Dehcho Law, then held a signing ceremony with the Government of Canada to formalize an Establishment Agreement that would designate Edéhzhíe as a joint Dehcho Protected Area and National Wildlife Area.
Credit: Pat Kane
“Dahti is an outstanding leader who has seen firsthand that honouring the responsibility to care for lands strengthens Indigenous Nationhood,” said Valérie Courtois, the director of the ILI. “She knows how to build a thriving Guardians program and design a trailblazing Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area. Now she will help support other Nations to realize their aspirations for lands and waters.”
As deputy director, Tsetso will work closely with the ILI Senior Leaders, collaborate directly with Indigenous Nations on stewardship responsibilities, advise on the creation of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas, help establish the National Indigenous Guardians Network, and help secure long-term funding for Indigenous-led conservation.
Tsetso graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Conservation Sciences and Bachelor of Arts in Native Studies. She also holds a Diploma in Indigenous Language Revitalization from the University of Victoria. She lives in Fort Simpson, NT with her family.
Media Contact: Sean Durkan: sean.sda.inc@rogers.com (613-851-2151)
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The Indigenous Leadership Initiative is a network dedicated to supporting Indigenous Nations in honouring the cultural responsibility to lands and fostering Indigenous Nationhood. ILI works with dozens of First Nations to support their stewardship. It is also a leading partner in the International Boreal Conservation Campaign, collaborating on strategies that advance Indigenous-led conservation across the country.
