Stephen Kakfwi facts for kids

Stephen Kakfwi was born in 1950 in Fort Good Hope, Northwest Territories. He is a Canadian politician. He served as the ninth premier of the Northwest Territories. A premier is like the leader of a territory's government. Stephen Kakfwi worked in the Northwest Territories' government for 16 years. This is the longest time anyone has served in their cabinet.

Early Life and Education

Stephen Kakfwi was born in 1950. His family was in a traditional Dene bush camp near Fort Good Hope. His parents were full-blooded Slavey people. His grandfather gave up his treaty rights to own land and run a fur business. This meant his parents were not officially recognized as having "status" under the Indian Act.

When he was young, Stephen was sent to residential schools. These schools were in Inuvik, Yellowknife, and Fort Smith. In the 1970s, he went to the University of Alberta. He studied to become a teacher.

However, he soon returned to Fort Good Hope. This was a time when many Indigenous Canadians were organizing. They wanted their land rights and self-government recognized.

Starting a Political Career

In the 1970s, there was a plan to build the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline. This pipeline would carry oil and gas. Stephen Kakfwi saw that this project could harm his community's land. He worked hard to fight against it. He helped organize groups of Dene and Métis people.

The Government of Canada then started an investigation. It was called the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Inquiry. Justice Thomas R. Berger led this inquiry. In 1977-1978, the inquiry recommended not building the pipeline yet. Stephen Kakfwi saw this as a big success.

In 1980, Stephen Kakfwi ran for the leader of the Dene people. He lost to Georges Erasmus. But in 1983, he ran again for President of the Dene Nation and won. Georges Erasmus had become the grand chief of the Assembly of First Nations.

As President of the Dene Nation, Stephen Kakfwi did many important things. He helped create the Northwest Territories Dene Cultural Institute. He also started Indigenous Survival International. This group focused on hunting rights, especially in the Arctic. He also helped with efforts to claim land rights. He worked to create a plan for land claim talks.

Stephen Kakfwi also helped arrange visits from Pope John Paul II. The Pope was scheduled to visit the Northwest Territories in 1984 and 1987. The 1984 visit was cancelled due to bad weather. But Stephen Kakfwi kept working for the 1987 visit.

Serving in Government

In 1987, Stephen Kakfwi was elected to the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories. He represented the area of Sahtu. This area covers about 254,000 square kilometers. He served in the Legislative Assembly for 16 years, until 2003.

During his time, he played a big part in many projects. He helped the economy grow. He encouraged diamond cutting and polishing businesses to open near local diamond mines. He also strongly supported Aboriginal rights. He did this especially when he was Premier of the Northwest Territories. He served as Premier from 2000 to 2003. His 16 years in the Northwest Territories' government cabinet is the longest in its history.

Stephen Kakfwi still helps the Northwest Territories grow. He advises WWF Canada. In 2014, he started Canadians for a New Partnership. This group aims to build a new relationship between Indigenous Peoples and all Canadians.

In July 2017, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appointed him to a special board. This board advises on who should be a judge for the Supreme Court of Canada. The board's job was to suggest someone to replace Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin when she retired.

Awards and Recognition

Stephen Kakfwi has received several important awards:

• In 1997, he won the National Aboriginal Achievement Award. He received it for his public service and leadership in Northern Canada.
• In October 2013, he was given the Governor General's Northern Medal. This award was presented by David Johnston, who was the Governor General at the time.

Personal Life

Stephen Kakfwi is married to Marie Wilson. They have three children and four grandchildren.