About

The Division supports the ongoing Health & Wellbeing of Dehcho Members through developing and implementing regional events, workshops, and programming to support the long-term, sustainable wellness growth of Dehcho members. The Division is committed to advocacy, and working to evolve policies and programs in the NWT to better suit the needs of the DFN Membership. The Division takes on a leadership role by approaching this work through a lens of innovation, and informed by Mek’ı̨́ı̨́ Dene Ts’ı̨lı̨ (Dene Laws). Through ongoing funding support for regional activities, the Division strives to uplift community-driven initiatives and voices.

The Division is committed to building health and wellness informed by Nahenáhodhe (Our way of life).

The Dehcho First Nations Health & Wellness Advisory Board ensures that the division is led by community members for community members, with members/seats for each Dehcho organization. The group is dedicated to providing ongoing support and direction that is grounded in community voice and Dene culture.

The Dehcho First Nations’ Health & Wellness Advisory Board was formally the Regional Health & Wellness Working Group. At the spring 2023 Dehcho Leadership Meeting, leaders passed a motion to transition the group from a working group to an Advisory Board. The Board gathers multiple times a year.

Advisory Board Members (as of Jan. 2026)

• Amy Fraser – Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ First Nation
• Marie Lafferty – Fort Simpson Métis
• Violet Landry – Deh Gáh Got’ı̨ę First Nation
• Currently Vacant – Fort Providence Metis
• Joyce Studney – K’atl’odeeche First Nation
• Margaret Leishman – Ka’a’gee Tu First Nation
• Jayne Konisenta – Nahanni Bute Dene Band
• Currently Vacant – Pehdzeh Ki First Nation
• Margaret Ireland – Jean Marie River First Nation
• Ruby Jumbo – Sambaa K’e First Nation
• Sonya Frise – West Point First Nation
• Mandy Cormier – Acho Dene Koe First Nation