Jim Antoine facts for kids

James L. Antoine was born in 1949. He is a respected leader and former politician from the Northwest Territories, Canada. He served as a member of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories for many years. This is where laws are made for the territory.

Mr. Antoine also led the Northwest Territories government as its eighth premier of the Northwest Territories. This means he was like the head of the government. He has also been the Chief of the Liidlii Kue First Nation four times. This shows his strong connection to his community.

Early Life and Education

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. In 1988, he earned a certificate in management. Before becoming a leader for the Liidlii Kue First Nation, Mr. Antoine ran a small business in his hometown.

Political Career in the Northwest Territories

Mr. Antoine was first chosen to be a member of the Legislative Assembly of Northwest Territories in the 1991 election. He was re-elected for his second term in the 1995 election without anyone running against him. After this, he joined the government's cabinet. He was in charge of important areas like Public Works, Transportation, and Aboriginal Affairs.

Serving as Premier

Mr. Antoine was chosen by his fellow members to become the Premier on December 10, 1998. He won against another candidate, Stephen Kakfwi. Mr. Antoine took over after the previous Premier, Don Morin, resigned.

He ran for a third term in the 1999 election and won his seat again. He defeated two other candidates, getting more than 60% of the votes.

During his time as Premier, a big change happened: Nunavut was created. This new territory was formed from the eastern part of the Northwest Territories. Mr. Antoine did not seek to be Premier again after this. Instead, he returned to a cabinet position. He finished his term in the Legislative Assembly in 2003 before retiring from territorial politics.

Leading the Liidlii Kue First Nation

Mr. Antoine has served as the leader, or Chief, of the Liidlii Kue First Nation on four different occasions. His first time as Chief was from 1974 to 1977. He served again from 1979 to 1985, and a third time from 1989 to 1991. He left this role in 1991 to run in the Northwest Territories election.

In 2009, Mr. Antoine returned to leading his First Nation community. He ran for election and won his fourth term as Chief. He defeated the Chief at the time, Keyna Norwegian, and three other candidates.