Chief Edward Sangris, who presided over Dettah from 2007 to September of this year, has reportedly gone away, according to the Yellowknives Dene First Nation.
The announcement was made by the First Nation and posted on Facebook in a succinct statement.
Before leaving his position this summer, Chief Sangris served in that capacity for four terms in a row. However, before leaving, he managed to get his community through a three-week evacuation due to wildfires that were nearby.
Additionally, in 2022, he was among the NWT leaders who welcomed then-Prince Charles to Dettah.
Edward Sangris worked for more than 20 years as a heavy equipment operator in the mining industry before going into politics. According to a biography authored by the Denendeh Development Corporation, he then held the position of councillor for 12 years for the Yellowknives Dene First Nation before taking on the role of chief of Dettah.
Joseph Sangris, the 32-year chief of Dettah, was the father of Edward, who was nurtured there. For twelve years, Jonas Sangris, his brother, was the leader.
The First Nation prayed for the chief’s healing at the time of the feeding-the-fire ceremony in April.
“I am sorry to hear about the passing of a great leader,” Délı̨nę ʁek’wahtı̨dɝ́ Danny Gaudet said as he oversaw online tributes. Yes, YKDFN will miss him. The country will mourn his loss.
Deputy mayor of Yellowknife Stacie Arden Smith stated, “My son had the opportunity to drum alongside him and I had the opportunity to work with him during my time on council.” “He loved his community above all else; he had stories to tell and a lot to teach.”