that traditional routines have been performed in a way that would honour his grandfather, he’ll wear the wolf with pride. In Dene culture, the wolf represents duality. It’s a symbol of fierce desire for independence and also the representation of a loving and gentle nature. The double path is something that shows up in Janvier’s own life, as he balances his private enterprise and relationship with industry with his duty to his people. “He’s one of the leaders that I have huge respect for,” Coulsen says. “He cares about each individual and treats everyone fairly and equally.” For the most part, his grandfather would be proud of the Chipewyan Prairie community of today. The last five years have seen conditions in Chard, the First Nation’s largest community, improve drastically. Most of the main roads are now paved and there are new playgrounds for children in the area. The First Nation’s new band office is an upgrade from the previous one and features classrooms for Keyano College courses and a great hall for community events. Janvier attributes Chipewyan Prairie First Nation’s optimistic situation to its relationship with industry over the years. Before he became chief, his predecessor invested money in six joint venture companies to develop the economy of the First Nation. The investment was successful and business took off. Janvier has continued this mandate over the years, with an aim to further the financial gains of his community.
He says that Chipewyan Prairie will never answer to the oil companies, but if industry wants to hire someone to build a road, clear trees or rebuild a lease site, his people should be the ones who are paid to do it right. Janvier has told Coulsen that there is a balance that must be faced between
WILD HORSES: During Chief Vern Janvier’s childhood, a lot of his transportation was done on horseback before development brought paved roads to the community.
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25 years: the athabasca tribal council
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