Member Tu Nedhé-Wiilideh

Richard Edjericon was first elected to represent the district of Tu Nedhé-Wiilideh in by election during the 19th Assembly in 2022 and was re-elected to the 20th Assembly later the next year.

A descendant of Treaty 8 Chipewyan signator Chief Oliver Edjericon, Richard Edjericon was born and raised in Little Buffalo River near Fort Resolution. He attended Diamond Jenness Secondary High School in Hay River and Akaitcho Hall in Yellowknife.

Obtaining his journeyman carpenter’s certification from Thebacha College in Fort Smith, Mr. Edjericon has nearly four decades of experience as a journeyman certified carpenter working through out the Northwest Territories and Nunavut in residential and commercial construction.

Eventually his work in construction brought him to the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation as the North Slave Maintenance Coordinator. He would also become the General Manager for the Yellowknives Dene First Nation Housing Division.

Mr. Edjericon’s dedication to his community led him to seek the position of Elected Head Chief for Dettah and the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, holding that office from 1999 to 2003. He also became the Acting Grand Chief Spokeperson on behalf of the Akaitcho Chiefs for the Akaitcho Territory Government. He later joined the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board in 2007 and soon became chair, reappointed to this position in 2011.

Mr. Edjericon’s proudest moments include settling boundary disputes, signing political accords, creating fairer nation to nation relationships, and fostering economic development. As MLA he brings with him a passion for a fairer, more prosperous North, and a great depth of knowledge in housing, economics, and politics. He lives in Ndilo with his wife, Aleida.”

Tu Nedhé-Wiilideh Electoral District

Committees

Richard Edjericon
Tu Nedhé - Wiilideh
Member's Office

Yellowknife NT X1A 2L9
Canada

P.O. Box
1320

Statements in Debates

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 61)

Thank you. Energy and strategic initiatives, not previously authorized, $12 million. Are there any questions?

Seeing no further questions, Supplementary Estimates (Infrastructure Expenditures) No. 1, 2025-2026. Department of Infrastructure, capital investment expenditures, energy and strategic initiatives, not previously authorized, $12 million. Does the committee agree?

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 61)

There is a motion on the floor to report progress. The motion is in order and non-debatable. All those in favour? All those opposed? Motion carried.

---Carried

I will now rise and report progress. Thank you.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 61)

Thank you. Members, we will continue with the Industry, Tourism and Investment. Total department, not previously authorized, $3,868,000. Are there any questions?

Seeing no further questions -- oh sorry. Sorry, what was your question? Okay, thank you. Authorized $3,868,000. Are there any questions?

Seeing no further questions, Supplementary Estimates (Infrastructure Expenditures) No. 1, 2025-2026. Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment, capital investment expenditures, total department, not previously authorized, $3,868,000. Does committee agree?

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 60)

Thank you. Is there a seconder? I'll go to the Member from Monfwi. The motion's in order. To the motion.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 60)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to respond to this motion today which seeks to update the code of conduct to include public statements made outside the Legislative Assembly to voice both my disappointment in this motion and explain the risk I know it will have on our unique democracy. I think the intent of this motion is to signal some constituents in the North that our institutions are strong, especially when it mentions words like "trust" and "in confidence." Those words may inspire reassurance to some who look around the world are frightened. However, my constituents will interpret this...

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 60)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Tabling of documents, Mr. Speaker, I wish to table a Letter dated May 20th, 2025, from the Yellowknives Dene First Nation to Premier Simpson regarding Burials of Children who Attended St. Joseph's School in Fort Resolution. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 60)

Yeah, thank you, Mr. Speaker. As you go through this process, will the Minister will look at also the cost under the Coroner's Act to bring baby Alma home? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 60)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was passed by the last Assembly two years ago. Can the Minister provide any progress on the part of health and social services to uphold the rights outlined in UNDRIP which the GNWT must start implementing? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 60)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, a big part of our health and social services has been falling short with Indigenous governments and in our small communities because Indigenous governments are not closely involved with healthcare administration. The leaders from my communities are calling for a creation of intergovernmental working group to ensure Indigenous governments have a seat at the table. Would the Minister agree to a proposal like this in her deliberation? Thank you.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 60)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. When our ancestors entered treaty 8 in the spirit of peace and friendship, they also did so with the understanding of the "medicine chest clause" and how it would significantly lasting commitments to health and well-being for our people. Through our oral history, we continue to remember and uphold these rights which are now constitutionally-protected under section 35 of the Canadian Constitution. These rights have been further reinforced by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People, UNDRIP, which this very House has adopted.

UNDRIP clearly affirms...