-WHITEHORSE-
Kwanlin Dun First Nations

Mike Smith

Mike Smith, Chief of Kwanlin Dun First Nation was raised for the first eight years of his life in the tradition of his people who lived in the area of Lake Laberge. After leaving his village at Laberge, he moved to the old village by the industrial area of Whitehorse.

Mike Smith spent much of his chilhood in the company of his grand parents, who taught him his culture, the old ways, the old laws and what acceptable behaviour was and what was not. He attended schools in Whitehorse and following graduation studied general arts and science and law at the universities in British Columbia and New Mexico.

Mike Smith was inspired to be chief for a number of reasons. He felt that his nation had needed to really understand the land claims settlement offer before making a decision on whether to accet the agreement or to vote against it. He also felt that his nationhad some very big issues to deal with, the proposed gas pipeline, the need to keep the people unified, and especially to provide a better future for his nation. In 1999, when the election for KFDN chief and council was called, Mike Smith, chief negotiator and former chair person of the Council for Yukon Indians ran for chief and came very close to winning. Following the resignation of the chief, Mike Smith, on a by-election, got his chance to be chief and was sworn in on October 10, 2003.

Mr. Smith, as chief has the overall responsibility for the First Nation, its operation and programs, for the benefit of Kwanlin Dun members. The chief works with the councillors, the directors and staff in the administration of the band government, and represents Kwanlin Dun in all matters that affect Kwanlin Dun First Nation. The chief must provide the leadership for the First Nation and be responsible to all Kwalin Dun members.

Kwanlin Dun's yearly operating budget is approximately 9 million dollars for overall operation of the First Nation projects and programs. The programs involve housing, economic development, education, justice, social and health issues. In making decisions for the First Nation, the chief and Council may hold meetings, establish committees to assist the various departments, and each year, call and report to the general assembly for direction and mandates.

Mr. Smith's main goals during his term as chief is to advance the health and welfare, the economic well-being of the people of Kwanlin dun, and with special attention to language and culture, education and youth.

"Being Chief is a lot of work, with few benefits when you compare it to the Yukon or Federal Governments," -Mike Smith

He would like to see the First Nation doing more to help the youth, provide more opportunities in employment, work place experience and more encouragement for completing high school and post graduate studies such as trades, or professional training.

This coming summer, of 2004, he wants to provide more jobs for students. On the question of whether there is a lack of First Nations culture and language in the existing education system, he says there is a definite need to do more. the present education system downgrades First Nations students, and is too clonial and suppressive to First Nation's language and culture. He wants to see First Nation's curricula treated as the same level and respect given to the other subjects being taught in the schools. He supports the efforts to introduce language immersion at Elijah Smith School and will provide language programs at Kwanlin Dun to encourage the use of aboriginal languages.

I asked Chief Mike Smith if he can relate to teens/adults using drugs and alcohol. His response was that he had very little experience with drugs and alcohol, and that he would have to rely on others to advise him on these problems. The Kwanlin Dun band has members who can relate to others who need help and the band does hold AA meetings at the Wellness Centre, and hold two sessions a year at the healing camp at Jackson Lake. To help Kwanlin Dun youth, Kwanlin Dun provides some recreation, such as helping with and providing ski equipment, judo lessons, and helps fund raise by providing $2500 for the Whitehorse Youth Centre building. Mike Smith has been involved with Yukon Chiefs, during his time with the Yukon Native Brotherhood and Council for Yukon Indians. He has known all chiefs of Kwanlin Dun, from the first chief at the old village, Billy Smith to Rick O'Brien, the current vice-chief of the Assembly of First Nation.