Historic moment for Dakota Nation as Chief Tréchelle Bunn officially sworn in
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BIRDTAIL SIOUX DAKOTA NATION — The first woman — and youngest — chief of Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation was officially sworn in on Friday, marking a new era for the small community.
“I just want to inspire the next generation here in my community, the young women in my community … and all across Canada,” Tréchelle Bunn, 25, told the Sun.
Bunn described the first few weeks after she was elected chief in April as “surreal.” Now, three months later, her new reality has sunk in.

Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation Chief Tréchelle Bunn is the first woman to be elected chief at Birdtail and is also the youngest chief elected by the nation. (Photos by Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun)
She said change involves the entire community, and knowing that Birdtail believed in her and elected her as chief keeps her “inspired every day.”
“Knowing that the community is on board with the direction that myself and council want to go … is really positive,” Bunn said.
Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation is about 130 kilometres northwest of Brandon. As of 2021, the registered population was 907, with 408 living in the community.
About 40 people gathered to witness the historical moment outside of the community’s health centre.
To open the ceremony, Elder Joe Bunn shared a blessing in the Dakota language along with a few words about the significance of the day.
“Let’s remember this day that Birdtail has made its change,” he said. “We’ve got a young lady here. She’s done a lot for us, and we have a council here … From what I hear, they are going to work together to make this place a better place.”
Tanya Eashappie echoed the Elder’s emphasis on the significance of the day as she introduced Bunn and the four councillors.
She said the day was more than a swearing-in ceremony but also a “renewal of commitment, a celebration of service and a reminder of who we are.”

“Your leadership reaches far beyond our nation,” she said to Bunn. “You show that movement is medicine and healing begins with action.”
Bunn was the first to take the podium and read her oath of office. She was followed by the community’s four councillors — Carson Benn, Heath Bunn, Samantha Benn and Doug Hanska Senior.
In an interview with the Sun after the ceremony, Bunn said that while her dream to become chief started about three or four years ago, she has always pursued different interests.
She was a student athlete growing up and will be starting her third year of law school in the fall. She said her schooling is very much tied to her role as chief, as it has taught her how to be a good advocate as well as how to manage her time.
In 2022, she was elected youth chief of the Southern Chiefs Organization, which she described as a stepping-stone to her role today.
About two years ago, some elders talked to her about becoming chief and putting her name forward for the 2025 election.
“That was very shocking for me,” Bunn said. “I always thought that the call upon me for leadership would come much later in life, but I was honoured.”

Bunn said being the youngest and first woman chief in Birdtail is an honour but also comes with an extra level of responsibility.
“The role itself is obviously a huge … responsibility, but I think anytime you’re the first for something, it adds that responsibility that much more, knowing that you’re paving the way for those who come after you,” she said.
“I know I’m the first, but I don’t want to be the last. I know I won’t be the last.”
She said while it might sound “cheesy,” her message to young girls is to believe in themselves and surround themselves with good mentors and role models.
Bunn said her parents, Jolene and Gabriel, have been her biggest supporters all along.
“They’ve always told me, ‘You can do anything you put your mind to,’” she said. “I’ve always felt that my parents genuinely meant it and genuinely had that belief in me.”
Jolene and Gabriel (along with Bunn’s dog, Sunka, which means dog in the Dakota language) were in the audience to celebrate their daughter’s achievement.
Gabriel said it’s nice to see his daughter’s hard work pay off and be recognized, adding that usually an achievement like this comes much later in life.

He said when Bunn first told them she wanted to be chief, he wasn’t exactly sure how to feel since the role holds a lot of responsibility. After he and Bunn had some time to think about it, he knew she was ready to take the challenge.
“When Tréchelle says she’s going to do something, you just know she’s going to do it and she’s going to give it her all,” Jolene added. “She’s very unique … As a kid, she was always a leader and wanted to do what was right.
“I’m very proud of her and the community for the support they are giving.”
» sanderson@brandonsun.com