Hereditary chief ends 55-year reign

Dene Tha leaders' milestones highlighted

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The Dene Tha's last hereditary chief, Harry Chonkolay, retired on June 17, ending a career as a leader of his people that spanned most of his lifetime.

"After 55 years of service to his people, Chief Harry Chonkolay's retirement represents the last of the hereditary chiefs in Canada," said Harvey Denechoan of Assumption.

June 15 was also Chief Honouring Day, when dignitaries, including Grand Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Ovide Mercredi, family and friends gathered to pay tribute to Chief Chonkolay.

"Thank you, my people. We are happy to be here and be recognized," Chonkolay told the crowd. "You have to think of our future and continue to progress. I urge you to work closely with the federal government. Our population is increasing, and we need stability. Let's continue to progress as a people."

A statement written by his people read: "He has reached beyond the boundaries of his First Nation to assist neighboring First Nations whenever possible. Chief Chonkolay will long be remembered and revered as an inspiration to Canada's First Nations people." When he was appointed chief on June 17, 1938, the Dene Tha did not have an official land base set aside for reserves. Chief Chonkolay was a leader in creating seven reserves during the late 1940s. Of these, the Tache community, now known as Meander River, as well as Bushie River, is occupied.

His has shown, throughout his service, a great concern for the education of his people and for their health. A small school was built at Habay in the early years of Chief Chonkolay's service. Today, the communities of Assumption and Meander River have a modern school. This year, the Assumption school will graduate Grade 12 students for the first time since its inception.

In the early 1950s, Chonkolay led his people toward greater awareness and the use of modern health care. He and members of his band travelled by horse to northern parts of British Columbia, Alberta and the Northwest Territories. There, he gathered his people together to come to Fort Vermilion for immunizations and medical treatments. Many have spoken of Chief Chonkolay's unwavering commitment to the Dene Tha as a strong factor in helping his people overcome their fear of modern medicine.

On Feb. 22, 1965, Chonkolay gathered 114 men from the Dene Tha First Nation to travel from Assumption to the Alberta Legislature Building in Edmonton. There, they met with Premier Manning to demand the same opportunities as other Albertans. They called for greater funding for housing, education, Medicare and economic development.

Chonkolay's other achievements included the establishment of a small sawmill for the manufacture of housing materials for local use and export. During his reign, a 10,000 acre community pasture at Bushie River has evolved into farming enterprises at the Bushie River Reserve.

Under his direction, Amber River Corporation was established in the early 1970s. It continues to run a successful retail operation as Assumption Enterprises Ltd. today.

The first band-administered capital project in Canada was constructed under Chief Chonkolay's direction. This was a nursing station, completed in 1973 at Assumption.

In July, 1989, Chief Chonkolay was appointed to the Order of Canada for his work in promoting the culture of his people and for his unique diplomatic and guiding style. Because of this blend of quiet guidance and leadership, he has crossed cultural boundaries along his path. He has made friends with many in both Native and white cultures.

Judge Pierre Dube, who presided over the Provincial Court in the Peace River Region from 1981 to 1989, entered into a close friendship with Chief Chonkolay during his visits to Assumption at the time. Occasionally, said Judge Dube at the Chief's retirement celebration, he would meet Chonkolay to seek counselling.

"We would meet, and he would speak to me on how to approach dealing with his people in an attemptto avoid dislocation of individuals from their community, either by using community service orders or probationary orders," said Judge Dube. "His manner was one of quiet guidance."