Jim Antoine facts for kids

James L. Antoine was born in 1949 and is a former politician from the Northwest Territories in Canada. He was a member of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories from 1991 to 2003. During this time, he also served as the eighth premier of the Northwest Territories from 1998 to 2000. He has also been the Chief of the Liidlii Kue First Nation four times.

About James L. Antoine's Early Life

James L. Antoine was born in Fort Simpson, Northwest Territories, Canada, in 1949. He went to college at the University of Wisconsin and the University of Lethbridge. He earned a management certificate in 1988. Before becoming a Chief, Antoine ran a small business in his hometown.

Becoming a Politician

Antoine was first chosen to be part of the Legislative Assembly of Northwest Territories in the 1991 election. The Legislative Assembly is like a parliament for the Northwest Territories. Its members make laws for the region.

He was re-elected for his second term in the 1995 election. This happened by acclamation, which means he was the only candidate, so he won without a vote. After this, he joined the government's cabinet. He was in charge of areas like Public Works and Services, Transportation, and Aboriginal Affairs.

Leading the Northwest Territories

Antoine was chosen as the Premier by his fellow members of the Legislative Assembly on December 10, 1998. The Premier is the leader of the government in the Northwest Territories. He won against Stephen Kakfwi for the top job. Antoine took over from Goo Arlooktoo, who was acting Premier after the previous Premier, Don Morin, stepped down.

Antoine ran for a third term in the 1999 Northwest Territories general election. He won his seat again, beating two other candidates. He received over 60% of the votes.

During his time as Premier, the eastern part of the Northwest Territories became a new territory called Nunavut. Antoine did not run for Premier again after his term. Instead, he was nominated to return to the cabinet. He finished his term in the Legislative Assembly in 2003 and then retired from politics in the territory.

Leading the Liidlii Kue First Nation

Antoine has also been the leader, or Chief, of the Liidlii Kue First Nation four different times. A First Nation Chief is the main leader of an Indigenous community.

• His first time as Chief was from 1974 to 1977.
• His second time was from 1979 to 1985.
• His third time was from 1989 to 1991. He left this role to run in the 1991 Northwest Territories election.

In 2009, Antoine returned to lead the First Nation again. He won the election for his fourth time as Chief. He defeated the Chief at the time, Keyna Norwegian, and three other candidates.