Board Members

The Board of Directors is dedicated to serving the best interests of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation. Their commitment ensures that every decision aligns with the values, needs, and aspirations of the Yellowknives Dene community, fostering sustainable growth and preserving cultural heritage.

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Philip Joseph Goulet, also known as Philip Joe, is deeply rooted in his heritage, born to Morris Goulet and Mary Jane Summers (Mackenzie-Goulet), with ties to Fort Rae and Goulet Bay.

Raised by his grandparents, Phillip and Madeline Goulet, and spending time with his maternal grandparents, Suzie and Julie Mackenzie, he cherishes traditional practices like fishing and hunting. Influenced by his mother’s community involvement, Philip Joe is dedicated to contributing to community development and self-governance.

His diverse professional journey led to a journeyman certification in plumbing and heating, and he now successfully runs his own business.

Passionate about preserving traditions and fostering community prosperity, Philip Joe is committed to supporting future generations.

Philip Joseph Goulet

Chair

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Mary Rose Drygeese Sundberg

Vice Chair

Mary Rose (Maro) Drygeese Sundberg, a long-serving councilor from the 1990s to 2019, dedicated 16 years to her community in Dettah. Born to the late John (Dządzıı) and Marie Louise (Kw’ıą) Drygeese, and descended from notable leaders, Maro's commitment to her people is deeply ingrained. She lives in Dettah with her husband Brian Sundberg, their three daughters, nine grandchildren, and one great-grandson.

Maro has spent 40 years advocating for language preservation, serving as the Executive Director of a non-profit language center for 22 years. Her leadership extends to various boards and committees, emphasizing the importance of cultural and spiritual balance.

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Liza Charlo Sanspariel Pieper 

Liza Charlo Sanspariel Pieper, a Treaty Status member of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, was born and raised in the Tahdehcho/Wool Bay Yellowknife area within the Chief Drygeese traditional territory. Daughter of the late Joe Charlo Sanspariel Tawatsi and Judith (Betsina) Charlo Sanspariel, Liza's heritage is rich with the teachings of her parents, grandparents, and ancestors. Her late father’s spiritual traditional drum dance songs continue to influence her deeply.

With 32 years of employment across federal, territorial, and community organizations, Liza has held leadership positions for nearly 30 years, advocating for the rights and interests of the Dene First Nation people. Recognized with the Queen’s Jubilee Medal in 2002, she has served in various roles, including President of the Native Women’s Association of NWT and Vice-President of the Native Women’s Association of Canada.

An active and committed leader, Liza enjoys traditional gatherings, cultural activities, and spending time with her family.

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Ethel Liske

Ethel is a member of Yellowknives Dene First Nation. She obtained a Grade 12 Diploma from Sir John Franklin High School and an Administration Certificate from Lethbridge Community College.

Ethel has served on several different boards on behalf of YKDFN, including the Stanton Hospital Board, YKDFN Health Board, and the Recreational Board.

Ethel is employed by the NWT Treaty 8 Tribal Corporation as a Negotiation Coordinator and coordinates all activities relating to the Akaitcho Negotiation Process on behalf of the Akaitcho Dene First Nations.

She was responsible for the preparation of annual budgets, proposals, and activity reports, and she coordinates all meetings relating to the Akaitcho Negotiation Process.

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Hughie has worked in commercial real estate leasing, operations, and facility maintenance for the past 15 years. During that time, he has worked with the Canadian Government, Territorial Governments, multinational companies, franchises, and small to medium-sized enterprises.

Hughie’s real estate career has allowed him to work in commercial real estate in Yellowknife, Inuvik, Calgary, and across a portfolio of warehouses in British Columbia and Alberta.

Hughie also led a team of property managers in Iqaluit, NU, and St. John’s, NL. While managing the operations and leasing of a real estate portfolio in Inuvik, Hughie worked with an Indigenous real estate partnership for nine years.

Hughie is the past President of the NWT Chamber of Commerce and has served in all executive positions, as well as Director-at-Large.

His volunteer work includes positions with the Yellowknife Homeful Partnership, Yellowknife Golf Club, and Yellowknife Ukrainian Association. Hughie holds a Real Property Administrator designation from BOMA and has lived in Yellowknife for the past 27 years.

Hughie Graham

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Nathan Ensing

Nathan moved to Yellowknife from Ottawa in 2013 upon the completion of a Bachelor of Commerce Degree at the University of Ottawa. He started working at Mackay where he got his CPA designation.  In the summer of 2018, he started working with Det’on Cho Logistics as their Controller.

In February 2020, Nathan began his own accounting practice which he has been growing and expanding ever since. Nathan has extensive experience advising Northern businesses and organizations on accounting, finance and taxation and believes it’s important to always put the client first.

Nathan is a member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of the NWT and Nunavut as well as the Chartered Professional Accountants Alberta.

Nathan lives in Yellowknife with his wife and young son. He enjoys spending his time outdoors, paddling in the summer, skiing and playing hockey in the winter.