James Wah-Shee facts for kids

James Wah-Shee (born in 1945 as James Washie) is a respected elder from the Tłı̨chǫ people. He was also a politician in the Northwest Territories, Canada. He served as a Member of the Northwest Territories Legislature from 1979 to 1987.

Early Leadership and Advocacy

In 1971, James Wah-Shee became the fourth President of the Indian Brotherhood of the Northwest Territories. This group was first started in 1969. It later became known as the Dene Nation, which works to protect the rights and interests of the Dene people.

First Election and Challenges

James Wah-Shee decided to run for a seat in the Northwest Territories Legislature in the 1975 Northwest Territories general election. This decision caused some disagreement at the time. He ran for election even though some Dene chiefs did not want him to. Because of this, he was removed from his role as President of the Indian Brotherhood. George Erasmus took his place. At that time, George Erasmus was encouraging Dene people not to run in the territorial elections as a form of protest, called a boycott.

Despite these challenges, Wah-Shee was elected. He won the election for the Great Slave area, which is called an electoral district.

Resignation and Return

After being elected for the first time, Wah-Shee quickly resigned from his position. He did this with another Member, George Barnaby. They resigned because they felt the Legislature was not paying enough attention to issues important to the Dene people.

The government of the Northwest Territories listened to their concerns. They created a new department called the Department of Natural and Cultural Affairs. This department was made to focus on issues affecting Indigenous peoples. After this, Wah-Shee was elected back to the council in a special election called a by-election. George Erasmus then ended his boycott.

Serving Multiple Terms

James Wah-Shee ran for re-election in the 1979 Northwest Territories general election. He was elected to a new area called the Rae-Lac La Martre electoral district. His old district had been divided into new ones.

Wah-Shee was elected for his final term in office in the 1983 Northwest Territories general election. He did not return to the Legislature when it ended in 1987.

Later Attempts and Contributions

Wah-Shee tried to win a seat again in the 1999 Northwest Territories general election. However, he was defeated by Leon Lafferty in a close race with many candidates.

James Wah-Shee also designed the flag for the Tłı̨chǫ Government.