Chief Whitney has worked tirelessly with the Minor Chiefs and Administration to diversify the economy of the Tsuut’ina Nation, including several energy-related initiatives. With the Tsuut’ina Nation Council, Chief Whitney has taken steps to preserve and continue the identity, culture, traditions, and language of the Tsuut’ina Nation, and renewed his efforts to develop a better working relationship between the Tsuut’ina Nation and the federal, provincial and municipal governments.
"The Dene people are a strong, vibrant community numbering into the hundreds of thousands; one of the largest First Nation people tribes in North America. Our people tell of old legends about the separation of the Dene people through migration across western Canada, Northwest Territories, Yukon Alaska, and the southern United States. We are strong, and we have our forefathers to be grateful too. The Creator has blessed us.
The 2025 election is an important time for all members of the Tsuut’ina Nation to make informed decisions about how we go forward and who should lead us in the right direction.Why I’m Running
I was asked by our old people to lead our Nation one more time toward health, safety and prosperity.
We have worked collectively along that path for a long time and have seen the signs of success in our economic and social well-being.
However, I have been told by Elders and I know in my heart that we have more work to do. We have forgotten about our traditional teachings of kindness, fairness and respect.
My Pledge
Should I be successful in the upcoming election, I will bring us back to those teachings, which have guided us for so long but which sometimes are forgotten.
I will also focus on the continued socio-economic welfare of our Nation. The economic development we are witnessing today on our land will continue. But it will continue under our watchful eye to ensure that development respects our environment, protects our land and water and provides the rightful benefits that accrue from commercial expansion.
I will ensure that our water claim discussions are re-opened with the Crown. Our water is invaluable to us and we must be compensated for past wrongs and protect our water resources going forward.
I will also continue to address the need for more housing on our lands. I will work hard to expand our housing inventory. New homes. Safe homes that allow us to live and thrive on our land. We must strive to keep our community together in safety and prosperity.
I’ve also been asked to create a formal Treaty Office that will serve to protect, preserve and promote our rights as Tsuu T’ina. Our Treaty is our bond. One that needs constant attention. This is of utmost importance to all of us and will be a priority for me in my next term.
Last Stand
If re-elected, I will put forward a succession plan for a new leader and Head Chief who will ensure our shared goals, values and aspirations are fulfilled in the years to come.
My commitment to our most fundamental values is strong. Together, under my last stand as leader, we will be strong.
Blessings to all of you.
Why I Deserve Your Vote
I began to serve our Nation 50 years ago, when I was a young apprentice to the leaders who came before me.
I was called by our Elders to learn, listen and, ultimately, lead.
I took that responsibility seriously then, as I do now.
That responsibility compels me to explain why I deserve your trust.
I began to serve and lead our Nation when the Indian Act was crushing hope and aspiration among First Nations peoples.
While that black period is not over and reconciliation has not yet been achieved, many First Nations have been valiant in forging their own way to self-reliance and self-governance.
I’m proud to say our Nation is one of them. And I am also proud and honored to say that along with my Elders and those of you who have put your trust in me over many decades, we are succeeding as a strong, free-standing Nation.
The list of Tsuut’ina Nation’s accomplishments during my tenure as Chief is long, but here are some of the highlights:
● We succeeded in a settlement with the Department of National Defense in returning the lands to our Nation
● We worked to receive provincial government licensing of our casino and entertainment centre and subsequently built the Grey Eagle complex – a stunning success for our Nation
● We negotiated and fought ferociously with the provincial government for many years to ensure the development of the Ring Road, which will deliver economic prosperity for many generations to come
● We have approved the construction of three new schools on our land
● We have built 400 new homes
● We have begun the development of a new health centre and built the Chief Joseph Administration building
● We built the Seven Chiefs Sportsplex to support our youth
● We have received approval to build the T’suu T’ina Museum
● We are building a 75-bed treatment facility for our people
● We have made great progress together over the last few decades. The landscape has changed to reflect our shared vision, dedication and hard work.
In 1984, our Elders believed I was ready for the honoured responsibility of leadership and I was elected as Xakiji for the first time. My mandate was clear – to be the protector and caretaker of the people and our lands. I was also challenged at the time by our respected Elders to build an economy on our lands and breathe life into Xakiji Bullhead’s vision for the prosperity of our Nation.
Together, we are meeting that challenge.
