During his professional career, Stephen Kakfwi has been and continues to be instrumental in advancing the Aboriginal land and self-government rights of the Northwest Territories (NWT) Dene, Metis and Inuit. He has had a distinguished career in public government promoting NWT political, constitutional and economic development in the north, within Canada and internationally. He is the former Premier of the Northwest Territories (1999 – 2003) and President of the Dene Nation (1983-1987). Mr. Kakfwi’s current focus is on achieving a balanced approach to conservation and development of the north’s resources and promoting community development in NWT Aboriginal settlements. He is also the President and CEO of Canadians for a New Partnership.