Community Member Biographies

Black and white photograph: Portrait of a man with a beard smiling and wearing a plaid shirt.

Chief Allan Adam

Chief Adam was born in 1966 in Edmonton, Alberta. He has been in an ACFN leadership role since 2004 and was elected Chief in 2008. Chief Adam has testified in joint review panels for several industrial applications and at numerous federal standing committees and has provided strong leadership for his Nation during challenging times. The intergenerational impact of WBNP displacement has motivated Chief Adam’s goal to correct historical injustices to Dënesųłıné members.

Black and white photograph: Portrait of a man wearing glasses and a collared shirt with a sweater over top.

Horace Adam

Horace was born in High Channel, Saskatchewan in 1941. He attended the Gold Fields school in 1949 and then went to school in Uranium City, Saskatchewan from 1952 to 1957. Horace worked for the Department of Natural Resources in Forestry as a patrol man for eleven years in Uranium City. He drove a taxi for sixteen years and worked for Acden (an ACFN owned Corporation). Horace enjoys people and treating people well. He loves to smile and make people happy.

Black and white photograph: Portrait of a man wearing a collared shirt.

Alec Bruno

Alec was born along the shores of Jackfish Lake, Alberta on 8 March 1936. His mother, Helene Bruno, lived on the land that eventually became Wood Buffalo National Park. She was kicked out of her home when she was only twenty-two and lost everything. Alec attended residential school for sixteen years. He fished, trapped, and hunted around the Old Fort, Alberta area. He grew up in Old Fort and reluctantly relocated to Fort Chipewyan in 1966. He had two sons, Allan (Chief Adam) and James Adam.

Black and white photograph: An old photograph of a man with short hair – the photo appears to have been cropped from a larger photograph.

Francois Bruno

Francois was born in Fort Chipewyan on 18 February 1909. Old Fort was his home primarily, but he, his family, and his extended family moved to fish, hunt, harvest, and trap. He and his wife Helene had sixteen children (some from his wife’s previous marriage); four of the children grew up to be adults. The family moved to Fort Chipewyan in 1966. In 1975 they began to raise their grandchildren.

Helene (Piche) Bruno

Helene Bruno was born in the House Lake settlement near the Birch River, Alberta on 14 August 1900. She married her first husband at fifteen or sixteen, and they were together to until his death in 1929. After the buffalo park was expanded, she was told to leave her home at House Lake and that if she wanted to move back, she would have to join the Mikisew Cree First Nation. She married Francois Bruno in the 1930s. They lived in Big Point, Old Fort, and Jackfish Lake and moved to Fort Chipewyan in 1966. In 1975 they began to raise their grandchildren.

Black and white photograph: Portrait of a man wearing glasses and a collared shirt.

Rene Bruno

Rene August Bruno was born in Jackfish, Alberta on 21 February 1934. Rene attended Holy Angels Residential School in Fort Chipewyan. He speaks fluent Dënesųłıné, Cree, and English. He was a Band Councillor from 1996 to 2003. Rene married Mary Mercredi and had seven children. He has many grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter. Rene enjoys traditional food, living out on the land, boat rides, and teaching his grandchildren how to trap.

Black and white photograph: Portrait of a man wearing tinted glasses and a collared shirt, his hand held up in front of his chest with fingers interlaced.

Jim Deranger

Jim is the son of Isadore and Therese Deranger. He has a political science degree and worked for ACFN as a band administrator in 1980s. As a business contractor, he assisted the Dënesųłıné, building their economic development plans in Northern Saskatchewan. Today Jim lives in Fort Chipewyan and is Co-chair of the ACFN Elders Council.

Black and white photograph: Portrait of a man wearing a collared shirt with some frames behind him on a wall.

Fredoline Djeskelni Deranger

Fredoline is the son of Isadore and Therese Deranger. He has a civil engineering degree and worked most of his life on oilsands sites. Fred is passionate about reading and learning each and every day. Today Fred is researching old stories and the history of the Dënesųłıné and brings forward the ancient teachings from the Elders.

Black and white photograph: Portrait of a woman wearing glasses and a polka dot shirt.

Dora Flett

Dora is one of the eldest daughters born to Isadore and Therese Deranger. She is knowledgeable in the Dënesųłıné language, heritage, and practices. Dora lived off the land for many years and holds wisdom in the herbal medicines that are used for healing. She is the matriarch of five generations and is a proud ACFN member.

Black and white photograph: Photograph of a woman wearing glasses and a collared shirt outside on a sunny day.

Eliza Marie Flett

Eliza was born 31 December 1927 at the Birch River settlement in Wood Buffalo National Park. She married Raphael Flett in the 1930s. Eliza prepared moose hides and fish nets, beaded, and made clothing for her family. She lived a traditional life off the land until her family was removed from the Park. From there they moved to Old Fort, then to Jackfish Reserve, and finally to Fort Chipewyan in 1972. Eliza spoke only Dene and a bit of Cree, and she was able to in write in syllabics. She raised her family with tradition and love.

Black and white photograph: Photograph of a woman wearing a collared shirt and glasses, leaning in to be in the photograph. It appears to have been cropped from a larger photograph.

Elizabeth Flett

Elizabeth Flett (née Simpson) was born in 1922 at Peace Point. She was the daughter of Isidore Simpson and Corrone Benoit who were among the Dene families transferred to the Cree Band in 1944. After attending Holy Angels Residential School, Elizabeth married a non-Status man, Duncan Flett, in 1943. Under the Indian Act, she lost her Status and left the Park. After Bill C-31 was passed in 1985, changing the Indian Act provision that stripped Indigenous women of their Status for marrying non-Status men, Elizabeth applied to regain her Status. Indian Affairs reinstated her as a member of Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation rather than to Mikisew Cree First Nation, of which both her parents and eleven siblings were now members. Because of this, Elizabeth and her thirteen ACFN children were refused access to her family home at Peace Point in Wood Buffalo National Park. Elizabeth was fluent in Dënesųłıné, Cree, French and English. It was amazing to listen to her switching from one language to another during conversations with different groups of people. She loved the bush life and was often referenced as Gramma Bush by her family.

Black and white photograph: Portrait of a man wearing glasses, a collared shirt, and a suit jacket.

Garry Flett

Garry was born in Peace River, Alberta but grew up in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories. He attended school in Fort Smith and Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. Garry then entered an apprenticeship as a heavy-duty mechanic and did his training in Edmonton and Calgary. In 1979, he moved to Fort McMurray and started a career with Syncrude Canada Ltd. where he remained for thirty years prior to retirement. Garry was asked by the Chief and Council of ACFN to lead their business group in 2009 and continues as the Chief Executive Officer of Acden today. Garry enjoys fall hunting and getting out on the land as much as he can but mostly enjoys time with family and friends.

Black and white photograph: Portrait of a smiling man wearing a ball cap, collared shirt, and collared outdoors jacket.

John Flett

John was born in 1960 at Fort McMurray and raised in Fort Chipewyan, Point Brule, and Poplar Point. John spent lots of time on the land at his family’s cabins in Cluff lake, Douglas River, and at Sandy Lake in Saskatchewan N22. John is humble and still enjoys his time out on the land. He was a heavy equipment operator at Syncrude, and prior to that he was a labourer at the Cluff Lake mine. Currently, he’s enjoying retirement and regularly visits the family cabin in the Delta.

Black and white photograph: Portrait of a man outside wearing a zip-up light jacket and a t-shirt.

Leonard Flett

Leonard is an ACFN Elder who speaks fluent Dënesųłıné and is an active land user. His parents are Liza and Raphael Flett. Leonard was born at Jackfish Lake and spent ten years in residential school. He is active in industry advisory committees where he raises concerns on the changes he has seen on our lands. Leonard is also a member of the Elders Advisory Council.

Black and white photograph: Portrait of a man smiling and wearing a plaid shirt.

Scott Flett

Scott was born and raised in Fort Chipewyan. He worked for the Alberta Environment field office in Fort Chipewyan collecting samples. Scott also served on the ACFN Council from 2011 to 2015. Today he spends most of his time at his cabin on the Fletcher Channel, at the southern end of Lake Athabasca. Scott enjoys traveling and spending time with his grandchildren and is an active member of the ACFN Elders Council and sits on various committees.

Black and white photograph: Portrait of a man wearing glasses and smiling, wearing a collared shirt with floral decorated garment on top.

Fred “Jumbo” Fraser

Fredrick R. Fraser, better known as “Jumbo,” was born and raised in Fort Chipewyan. Jumbo was a modest and kind man who was always willing to share his Traditional Knowledge of the land and wildlife with younger generations. Jumbo saw dramatic differences in the land, wildlife, and water level throughout his years. He witnessed the last migration of tens of thousands of caribou as they passed in front of his home—the migration lasted for two weeks. Jumbo also witnessed the water level drop after the Bennett Dam was built, and the resulting shift in waterfowl migration routes away from Fort Chipewyan. Jumbo wasn’t shy to voice his concerns to the government and industry. Jumbo, a champion dog musher, entrepreneur, Métis president, justice of the peace, marriage commissioner, volunteer fire fighter/fire chief, and storyteller, also worked for the Wood Buffalo National Park and in water management with Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo Municipal Affairs. Jumbo remained active until his death in 2022.

Black and white photograph: Photograph of a man in a t-shirt smiling with the sun on his face.

Leslie Laviolette

Leslie is an ACFN Elder and an active land user. He is also an ACFN trapline holder. Leslie is very familiar with ACFN traditional lands and has seen changes over time. He is passionate about ACFN rights and culture and has testified in a number of hearings for ACFN and attends ongoing meetings regarding the protection of caribou. Leslie believes that all members need to be out on the land, especially our young people and Elders.

Black and white photograph: Portrait of a man wearing glasses and a striped collared shirt.

Big John Marcel

Big John was born in Fort Chipewyan in 1943 and grew up in Jackfish. He attended Holy Angels Residential School for ten years. Big John worked as a bus driver for Bishop Piche School and Northland School for ten years. He moved to Fort McMurray in the 1970s and worked as a heavy equipment operator. He was a trapper when he was younger and used a dog team. Big John enjoys life even though it is tough to get around as he gets older.

Black and white photograph: Portrait of a man looking intensely into the camera.

Frank Marcel

Frank was an ACFN Elder and active land user. He was born at Jackfish Lake and attended residential school for several years. At the ACFN quarterly annual Elder meetings, Frank raised concerns on the changes he has seen on our lands. Frank enjoyed being out on the land and sharing his Traditional Knowledge with the youth.

Black and white photograph: Photograph of a man in a boat on a lake, wearing a ball cap, holding a freshly caught fish in a net.

John H. Marcel

John is an ACFN Elder and active land user. John was born on ACFN traditional territory to Madeline and Ben Marcel. He spent several years in residential school. John enjoys the outdoors and being out on the land.

Pat Marcel

Elder Pat Marcel, former ACFN Chief (1987–1990), was a respected leader and champion for upholding ACFN’s Treaty Rights. Pat taught us about our Treaty, how important it was, and that ACFN needed to have these Rights recognized and upheld. He was a youth mentor and the lead on numerous special projects and committees, sharing traditional science. Pat was also the former chair of the Dënesųłıné Elders Committee.

Charlie Mercredi

Charlie Mercredi was born and raised in Old Fort. He is one of twelve children born to Antoine and Victoria Mercredi. He spent most of his life living off the land to support his two children, Hazel and Charles, with his wife Georgina. Charlie taught his children to be humble, work hard, not be lazy, work during the day and relax at night, and never depend on anyone—if you want to do something just do it.

Marie Josephine Mercredi

Josephine was born in 1913 and lived a long life as a traditional Elder who raised her children on the land. She spoke Dënesųłıné, French, and English and carried and shared the ancient stories passed down to her. She is featured in ACFN’s book, Footprints on the Land. Josephine gathered medicines and her Dene style beadwork was adored by all. She had an abundance of love that she shared with her sixteen children. Josephine is often remembered singing t’asunde wasika, a traditional Dené hymn.

Black and white photograph: Photograph of a woman outside wearing a patterned shirt, bracelet, and holding a coffee cup.

Victorine Mercredi

Victorine was born in Old Fort in 1916. She was a traditional Elder who raised her children out on the land. She had twelve children, one being former Chief Tony Mercredi. Victorine served on the ACFN council for ten years. She spoke Dënesųłıné and shared old stories, including the history of our Treaty and was instrumental in helping her people. She was well known for her traditional sewing and beadwork and her knowledge with our Traditional medicines. Victorine is most remembered practicing midwifery out on the land in Old Fort, Jackfish, Flour Bay, and throughout ACFN traditional territory.

Black and white photograph: Older photograph of a woman standing outside on a sunny day in a calve-length dress holding a fish in each hand.

Ester Piche née Adam

Ester was born in 1897 in Fond du Lac, Saskatchewan. Her first marriage was to Jonas Platcote and her second was to Louie Piche. Her children are Marie Madeline Marcel, Eliza Piche and Pierre Piche. She lived in the Peace-Athabasca Delta at House Lake and along Birch River. Esther was forced from her homeland when Wood Buffalo National Park was formed. She moved to Moose Point at the southeastern edge of Lake Athabasca, then to Poplar Point on the Athabasca River, and finally settled at Jackfish Reserve. She spoke Dënesųłıné, told stories, and loved to cuddle her grandchildren. She was a tall, elegant lady and a perfectionist who trapped and maintained her home with her children. She lived traditionally on the lands until 1974.

Black and white photograph: Portrait of a man with a moustache smiling and wearing a hat with decorated band, a patterned collared shirt, and a collared coat.

Ernie “Joe” Ratfat

Joe was born in the bush around Fort Chipewyan. He currently lives in British Columbia and enjoys traveling and spends his time working with feather fans, running Sweat Lodges, and conducting ceremonies. His goal is to help heal our young people. Joe has Traditional Knowledge, some of which he has passed down in this book. Joe is a Mikisew Cree First Nation member, but in his heart he is Dene. He speaks Dënesųłıné and his parents are Dene.

Black and white photograph: Portrait of a woman with short hair, glasses, and wearing a collared plaid shirt over a turtleneck with delicate necklaces.

Alice Rigney

Alice was born in a tent by the Big Dock in Fort Chipewyan. She attended Holy Angels Residential School, Grandin College in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, and went to school in Edmonton. Alice worked as a social worker and in the community school teaching Dënesųłıné. Alice enjoys sharing her culture by teaching the Dënesųłıné language to community members. She loves gardening and living on the land.

Black and white photograph: Photograph of a woman in sunglasses and a patterned shirt outside with the sun shining on her.

Donna Mercredi Shortman

Donna was born and raised in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories. She has three children, thirteen grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. She is an active land-user and enjoys spending time at her cabin on the Athabasca River. Donna is currently working as the manager of the Kahkiyow Keykanow Elders Care Centre in Fort Chipewyan. She is blessed to raise her grandchildren and comes from a strong line of Dene women and men. Donna is a proud Dene and ACFN member.

Black and white photograph: Portrait of a woman smiling and wearing a t-shirt.

Lori-Ann Stevens

Lori-Ann is the daughter of John and Beverly Tourangeau. She received her Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Calgary and currently works as ACFN’s social worker and development manager. When she is not working, Lori enjoys spending time with her five children, gardening, and taking her two dogs for walks.

Black and white photograph: Portrait of a woman wearing glasses and scooped neck shirt with a light cardigan.

Beverly Tourangeau

Beverly worked at Nunee Health in Fort Chipewyan as an Indian Residential School worker and at Paspew House, also in Fort Chipewyan, as a Director. Her pastime comforts are beading, sewing, and creating beautiful garments for her family and friends. You can always find Bev in her garden sharing her wisdom about growing food. She has three children and eleven grandchildren. Beverly resides in Fort Chipewyan.

Black and white photograph: Photograph of a man with glasses next to a woman with earrings with sparkly decorations in the background.

Edouard Trippe de Roche & Keltie Paul

Edouard and Keltie have been married for thirty-five years. Both lived in Fort McMurray, Alberta for over twenty years and now reside in North Battleford, Saskatchewan. Edouard has Traditional Knowledge and stories shared from past generations; Keltie is a long-time social science researcher and an anthropologist. Both Edouard and Keltie have provided key information to the development of this book. Edouard and Keltie are keen on seeing how the historical injustices against our Dene people could be corrected with reconciliation.

Black and white photograph: Portrait of a man with a moustache smiling and wearing a collared shirt and suit jacket.

Leslie Wiltzen

Leslie is an ACFN member and resides in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories. He regularly visits his cabin in WBNP and is a strong advocate for ACFN members coming back to their traditional lands in the Park. Leslie is employed as the regional superintendent for the South Slave Department of Lands with the Government of Northwest Territories.

Dedication

Remembering Our Relations

Notes

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