Charlene Blake, newly elected chief of the Gwichya Gwich’in band in Tsiigehtchic, N.W.T., has made addressing substance abuse and the community’s housing shortage her top priorities. Blake, who works at the local health centre and has previously served as acting sub-chief and a councillor, aims to improve wellness services, focusing on “on-the-land wellness” and providing support to community members. She emphasized the need for strong partnerships with Tsiigehtchic’s mayor and hamlet council to tackle key issues.
Blake’s decision to run for chief came after encouragement from elders and youth in the community, and she expressed her gratitude for the support, receiving warm congratulations throughout the town. In addition to combating addiction, she plans to collaborate with the Gwichya Gwich’in land claims organization and the Gwich’in Tribal Council to represent Tsiigehtchic’s interests effectively. Blake will serve alongside fellow council members Dinah Blake, Albert Ross, Cindy McDonald, and Jamie Blake. She remains committed to ensuring the community’s well-being, building partnerships, and addressing critical local challenges.
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