Denendeh Development Corporation (DDC)

Established in 1982, by the Dene National Assembly, (DDC) proudly holds the distinction of being one of the oldest Indigenous corporations in Canada. As a not-for-profit organization, DDC acts as a catalyst for the Dene regions to collaborate on sustainable socio-economic initiatives.

The Chiefs of the 27 Dene First Nations from the Gwich’in, Sahtu, Dehcho, Tlicho, and Akaitcho, serve as DDC members. Together, we strive to achieve common objectives and unity amongst our communities.

Denendeh Development Corporation (DDC)

Established in 1982, Denendeh Development Corporation (DDC) proudly holds the distinction of being one of the oldest Indigenous corporations in Canada. As a not-for-profit organization, DDC acts as a catalyst for the Dene regions to collaborate on sustainable socio-economic initiatives.

The Dene Nation, composed of 27 Dene First Nations from the Gwich’in, Sahtu, Dehcho, Tlicho, and Akaitcho regions, serves as DDC’s membership base. Together, we strive to achieve common objectives and unity amongst our communities.

Our Members

Acho Dene Koe First Nation
Aklavik Indian Band
Behchokǫ̀ Community Government
Behdzi Ahda First Nation Band Council
Deh Gáh Got’įę First Nation
Délı̨nę Got’ı̨nę Government
Deninu K’ue First Nation
Gamètì Community Government

Gwichya Gwich’in Council
Inuvik Native Band
K’asho Got’ine Community Council
Ka’a’gee Tu First Nation
Kátł’odeeche First Nation
Łíídlıı Kųę First Nation
Łutselk’e Dene Band
Nah?ą Dehé Dene Band

Pehdzeh Ki First Nation
Salt River First Nation #195
Sambaa K’e First Nation
Smith’s Landing First Nation #196
Tettl’it Gwich’in Band Council
Tthets’éhk’edélı̨ First Nation
Tulita Band Council
Wekweètì Community Government

West Point First Nation
Whatì Community Government
Yellowknives Dene First Nation – Ndilo
Yellowknives Dene First Nation – Dettah

OUR VISION

  • Denendeh Development Corporation is a vehicle for the Dene regions to cooperate in viable socio-economic endeavors

OUR MANDATE

  • Foster measurable employment growth and career training
  • Provide economic and business information to Dene members
  • Strengthen economic viability of the Dene through investments and education

OUR PRINCIPLES

  • Economic development that does not negatively impact the environment
  • Human resource development as a main requirement for economic self-sufficiency
  • Participation and accountability (membership involvement in planning and accountability through representation on Boards)
  • Change and flexibility (regular assessment of objectives, directions and activities at all levels to stay current)
  • Non-competitive alliances with our regional and community-based aboriginal owned businesses.

Dene Laws

  1. Share with your people
  2. Help each other as much as possible
  3. When you lose someone, share your sorrow
  4. Love each other as much as possible
  5. Be respectful of the Elders and everything around you
  6. Sleep at nights and work in the day
  7. Be polite, don’t argue with anyone
  8. Don’t hurt anyone with medicine power
  9. Don’t make fun of your Elders, be polite to each other
  10. Pass on this teaching; Elders tell stories about the past
  11. Be happy at all times, take care of Mother Earth
  12. Don’t worry, go about your work, don’t judge people
  13. Don’t lie about medicine power, be honest at all times

Denendeh Development Governance

Denendeh Development Corporation (DDC) AGM infographic.