The Government of the Northwest Territories is announcing that the newly elected Tsiigehtchic hamlet council will be sworn in today. This is the final step in the transition from a charter community to a Hamlet.
Tsiigehtchic gained official Hamlet status on July 1, 2024. This change resulted in the establishment of two distinct and separate government structures: a hamlet council and a band council.
As a Hamlet, the authority and operations of the community government are more easily defined and separated. In addition, this new community status means that all residents are eligible to vote and run for the Mayor and Councillor positions.
Being sworn in today are:
Mayor: His Worship Shawn James Roland VanLoon
Councillors:
James Andre
Davina Benoit-Cardinal
Charlene Blake
Dinah Blake
Georgie Niditchie
Peter Ross
Shalene Shae
Brian Smith
Quote
“Today 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.
- Vince McKay, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs
Quick Facts
In 2019, Tsiigehtchic residents submitted a petition seeking a change in status to a hamlet.
The Hamlet of Tsiigehtchic was formally established July 1, 2024 via the Order Establishing the Hamlet of Tsiigehtchic.
Administration through MACA has been in place since July 17, 2023.
The hamlet election was held on December 9th and 55% of all eligible voters participated in the election.
For media requests, please contact: Peter Tah Senior Communications and Planning Advisor Department of Municipal and Community Affairs Government of the Northwest Territories Peter_Tah@gov.nt.ca (867) 767-9162 ext. 21012