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.
This page serves as an introduction to the Custom Election Code and a hub for governance communications. To read the Custom Code in full, please contact the Lhoosk’uz Dené Nation Band Office.
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.
Thinking About Running for Chief?
Serving as Chief is an opportunity to help guide the future of Lhoosk’uz Dené Nation. The Chief provides leadership for the Nation, represents members, works with Council, and helps make decisions that support the community today while planning for future generations. If you’re thinking about putting your name forward, here’s
Memo: Call for Expressions of Interest – Election Appeal Board
Memo: Call for Expressions of Interest – Election Appeal Board – 2026-07-14 – Final The Lhoosk’uz Dené Nation is seeking expressions of interest from individuals interested in serving on the Election Appeal Board. The Election Appeal Board is an independent body responsible for hearing and deciding appeals related to the Nation’s
Lhoosk’uz Dené Nation Notice of Chief Election
Notice is hereby given that the Lhoosk’uz Dené Nation will hold an Election on August 27, 2026, in accordance with the Lhoosk’uz Dené Nation Custom Election Code (2026), for the purpose of electing one (1) Chief. Each member of Council shall serve for an indeterminate term until such time as
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