The Government of the Northwest Territories is announcing that the newly elected Tsiigehtchic hamlet council will be sworn in today. This is the final step in the transition from a charter community to a Hamlet. 

Tsiigehtchic gained official Hamlet status on July 1, 2024. This change resulted in the establishment of two distinct and separate government structures: a hamlet council and a band council.

As a Hamlet, the authority and operations of the community government are more easily defined and separated.  In addition, this new community status means that all residents are eligible to vote and run for the Mayor and Councillor positions.
 

Being sworn in today are:

Mayor:  His Worship Shawn James Roland VanLoon

Councillors:

• James Andre
• Davina Benoit-Cardinal
• Charlene Blake
• Dinah Blake
• Georgie Niditchie
• Peter Ross
• Shalene Shae
• Brian Smith

Quote

“Today marks an important milestone for the residents of Tsiigehtchic, a public vote was held on December 9th, 2024 with great turnout and the results of the election were clear. Providing direct support to the Hamlet of Tsiigehtchic is an important step towards the GNWT’s goal of building stronger relationships with community governments and residents. The GNWT would like to congratulate the newly elected Mayor and Councillors.

- Vince McKay, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs

Quick Facts

• In 2019, Tsiigehtchic residents submitted a petition seeking a change in status to a hamlet.
• The Hamlet of Tsiigehtchic was formally established July 1, 2024 via the Order Establishing the Hamlet of Tsiigehtchic.
• Administration through MACA has been in place since July 17, 2023.
• The hamlet election was held on December 9th and 55% of all eligible voters participated in the election.

Related Links

Local Authorities Elections Act and Legislation

Charter Communities Act

Appointment of Municipal Administrator in Tsiigehtchic

For media requests, please contact:
Peter Tah
Senior Communications and Planning Advisor
Department of Municipal and Community Affairs
Government of the Northwest Territories
Peter_Tah@gov.nt.ca
(867) 767-9162 ext. 21012