The Dene Nation has disclosed a surplus for the first time in several years, while facing a longstanding accumulated deficit exceeding $1 million. Dene National Chief George Mackenzie revealed the surplus during the organization’s annual assembly at the Kátłʼodeeche First Nation near Hay River, receiving applause for the news.
Mackenzie attributed the surplus to reevaluating spending practices, such as reducing external contracts and office expenses, and securing additional funding from the federal government. Despite the positive development, Mackenzie acknowledged the persistent debt issue that has accumulated over the past 15 to 20 years without specifying its origins.
To address the deficit, Mackenzie outlined a plan to gradually repay a portion each year and subsequently seek debt forgiveness from the federal government. An audit conducted by accounting firm MNP confirmed a surplus of approximately $92,000 for the previous fiscal year.
While some chiefs expressed concerns about the financial situation at the Dene National Assembly, Dettah Chief Ernest Betsina highlighted unease regarding the substantial amount allocated for travel expenses. According to MNP’s findings, travel expenditures accounted for nearly half of the organization’s total revenue, raising questions about the sustainability of such costs.
Moon Son, CEO of the Dene Nation, mentioned that a significant portion of the travel budget is allocated for committees and assemblies, with escalating costs annually. Discussions on potential strategies to address the deficit, including seeking government assistance, were ongoing within the organization.
Teetl’it Gwich’in Band Council Chief Elizabeth Wright proposed cost-saving measures, such as revising per diem allowances, which cover daily travel expenses like meals. Wright questioned the necessity of these allowances when host communities typically provide meals during visits, suggesting that eliminating this expense could lead to substantial savings.
Additionally, Wright recommended utilizing Zoom meetings for smaller committee gatherings as a way to reduce travel costs. Moon Son acknowledged the potential for adjustments to the per diem policy based on the assembly’s decisions, demonstrating openness to modifying expense protocols.
The Dene National Assembly is set to conclude on Thursday, with ongoing discussions on financial strategies and deficit management.