Stephen Kakfwi facts for kids

Stephen Kakfwi was born in 1950 in Fort Good Hope, Northwest Territories. He is a Canadian politician who served as the ninth premier of the Northwest Territories. A premier is like the leader of the government for a territory or province in Canada. Stephen Kakfwi worked in the government's cabinet for sixteen years, which is the longest time anyone has served in that role in the Northwest Territories' history.

Early Life and Education

Stephen Kakfwi was born in 1950 in a traditional Dene camp near Fort Good Hope. His parents were from the Slavey people. When he was young, Stephen went to special schools called residential schools in Inuvik, Yellowknife, and Fort Smith.

In the 1970s, he started studying to become a teacher at the University of Alberta. However, he soon returned to his home community of Fort Good Hope. This was a time when many Indigenous people in Canada were starting to organize. They wanted their land rights and the right to govern themselves to be recognized.

Standing Up for His Community

Fighting for Land Rights

In the 1970s, there was a plan to build a large pipeline called the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline. This pipeline would carry oil and gas through the land where Stephen Kakfwi's community lived. He saw that this project could harm their homeland. He worked very hard to oppose the pipeline, bringing together groups of Dene and Métis people.

Because of these efforts, the Government of Canada started an investigation called the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Inquiry. In 1977-1978, the inquiry recommended that the pipeline should not be built at that time. Stephen Kakfwi considered this decision a great success for his community.

Leading the Dene Nation

In 1983, Stephen Kakfwi became the President of the Dene Nation. This organization represents the Dene people. As President, he helped create the Northwest Territories Dene Cultural Institute. He also helped start Indigenous Survival International, which focused on protecting hunting rights, especially in the Arctic.

He played a big part in efforts to secure land rights for Indigenous people. He also helped create a plan for how land claims could be discussed and settled. Stephen Kakfwi also helped arrange visits by Pope John Paul II to the Northwest Territories in 1984 and 1987. The 1984 visit was canceled due to bad weather, but he continued to work for the 1987 visit.

Political Service

Serving in the Legislative Assembly

In 1987, Stephen Kakfwi was elected to the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories. He represented the area called Sahtu, which is very large, covering about 254,000 square kilometers. He served in the Legislative Assembly for sixteen years, until 2003.

During his time there, he worked on many important projects. He helped develop the economy by encouraging diamond cutting and polishing businesses to open near local diamond mines. He also strongly supported Aboriginal rights, especially when he was the Premier of the Northwest Territories.

Premier of the Northwest Territories

Stephen Kakfwi served as the Premier of the Northwest Territories from 2000 to 2003. His sixteen years in the government's cabinet is the longest time anyone has served in that role in the history of the Northwest Territories.

Even after leaving the Legislative Assembly, Stephen Kakfwi continues to be involved in the development of the Northwest Territories. He works as an advisor for WWF Canada.

Later Work and Recognition

In 2014, he started an organization called Canadians for a New Partnership. This group aims to build a better relationship between Indigenous Peoples and all other Canadians.

In 2017, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau asked Stephen Kakfwi to join the Supreme Court Advisory Board. This board's job was to suggest a new Chief Justice for the Supreme Court before Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin retired later that year.

Awards and Recognition

Stephen Kakfwi has received several important awards for his work.

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

Personal Life

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