Our Customs | Our Governance | Our Nation
Custom Code
The Lhoosk’uz Dené Nation is guided by a Custom Code designed to ensure that our governance, leadership selection, and decision-making reflect the values, traditions, and practices of our Nation. This page outlines how our electoral process works under the proposed written Custom Code, from council structure to voting eligibility and election procedures.
To read our Draft Custom Code in full, visit our office or contact us.
Honouring Our Legacy
The Lhoosk’uz Dené Nation upholds the wisdom, knowledge, and cultural traditions of our ancestors in all governance decisions. Our electoral process ensures that leadership is grounded in fairness, accountability, and respect for our customs.
Right to Self-Governance
The Nation exercises its right to self-governance through a Custom Election Code that reflects the unique values, traditions, and practices of our people.
Fairness & transparency
This code documents procedures to ensure the fair and transparent selection of Chief and Council, and that all leaders fulfill their duties with integrity and respect.
Council Composition:
Council is made up of two parts that balance leadership to represent the four family clans in decision-making and governance.
Chief
Represents the Nation as a whole and may be a member of any family clan.
Councillors
Represent one of the four traditional family clans: Baptise/Cassam/Paul, Boyd, Chantyman, Jimmie/Jimmy/Alexis/Stillas.
Eligibility Requirements
Candidates Must:
Be a registered member of the Nation for at least five years.
Be 18 years or older on the day of the election.
Have not been removed from council in the last six years.
Have no convictions for violent or sexual offences, fraud, theft, or dishonesty.
Not owe money to the Nation.
Abstain from alcohol, recreational drugs, and excessive gambling during candidacy and term in office.
Voting Members Must:
Be on the Band List maintained by Indigenous Services Canada.
Be 18 years or older on election day.
Belong to only one family clan, either through surname or parental/grandparental lineage.
Submit requests to change clan membership in writing to council for approval.
How Elections Work
Petitions and Nominations:
Each family clan chooses its own councillor.
Single petition: Must have signatures from a majority (50% + 1) of voting members in the clan.
Multiple petitions: Candidate with the most signatures is successful.
Council reviews petitions to confirm compliance with the Custom Code.
Campaigning Rules:
Must follow the Custom Code.
Must respect rights of other candidates and voters.
Focus on issues and platforms, not personal attacks.
Must be non-violent and free from intimidation.
Respect press freedom to cover elections.
Responsibilities of Elected Council Members
Council members serve the Nation with care, diligence, and integrity. Responsibilities include:
Upholding the Custom Code in all decisions.
Acting honestly, fairly, and impartially.
Communicating openly with members.
Collaborating respectfully with councillors, staff, and community members.
Resolving conflicts thoughtfully and maintaining unity.
Supporting cultural preservation and initiatives that strengthen the community.
Family Clan Membership and Voting
Voting members belong to one of the four traditional family clans.
Clan membership is generally determined by surname or lineage.
Requests to change clan membership are submitted to council and subject to approval.
This system ensures fair representation of all clans in council decisions.
News & Updates
Stay informed about elections, council announcements, and governance updates.
Members Ratify the Nation’s Custom Election Code
The Nation is pleased to announce that eligible voting members have voted to approve and adopt the Nation’s Custom Election Code. A total of 97 ballots were cast. Of those ballots, 65 per cent voted in favour of ratifying the Custom Election Code. This marks an important milestone for the
Our Custom Code — So What’s This All About?
Members, by now, you have likely received a Notice of Vote package in the mail that includes details about Lhoosk’uz Dené Nation’s Custom Election Code and information on how to vote on if it should be ratified. View/Download the official Notice of Vote: (Notice of Vote) So what’s this all
May 15 Dividend Cheque Pickup & Voting on Custom Code
MEMORANDUM (Download the official PDF) To: All Members Subject: Dividend Cheque Pickup & Voting on Custom Election Code This memo is to remind members of two important activities taking place on Friday, May 15, along with additional details to support your participation. 1. Dividend Cheque Pickup Dividend cheques will be
Notice of Vote: First Nations Custom Code Ratification
Lhoosk’uz Dené Nation is holding a vote to ratify its proposed Custom Code. This is an important step in advancing governance under the community’s own laws and processes. All eligible voters are encouraged to review the Notice of Vote for full details on the proposed Custom Code and voting procedures. View/Download
Second Dividend Distribution: Friday, May 15, 2026
NOTICE TO MEMBERS (Download the official PDF) Dividend Distribution – Second Payment Available Friday, May 15, 2026 Dear Members, The Lhoosk’uz Dené Nation Leadership, Chief, and Council are pleased to announce that the Nation will issue a second dividend distribution of $5,000 per registered member on Friday, May 15,
Why Leadership Matters: Understanding the Role of a Clan Councillor
A Clan Councillor represents their clan, brings the perspectives of their people into important decisions, and helps guide the direction of the Lhoosk’uz Dené Nation, today and for generations to come. Councillors are trusted leaders who balance tradition with the needs of the present, ensuring that every decision honours our