Kakfwi played key roles in initiatives ranging from economic development by encouraging the creation of diamond cutting and polishing industries in close proximity to local diamond mines, through to his promotion of Aboriginal rights, especially during his term as Premier of the Northwest Territories from 2000 to 2003. His sixteen-year tenure in the cabinet of the Northwest Territories is the longest in the Territories' history. Kakfwi continues to play an active role in the development of the Northwest Territories through his advisory position to WWF Canada. In 2014, he founded Canadians for a New Partnership, a coalition with a goal to build a new partnership between First Peoples and all Canadians. In July 2017, he was appointed to the Supreme Court Advisory Board by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The board's mandate is to provide an independent, merit-based recommendation to fill the vacancy created by the upcoming retirement of Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin. Awards In 1997, Kakfwi was awarded the National Aboriginal Achievement Award for public service for his leadership role in Northern Canada. In October 2013, he was awarded the Governor General's Northern Medal by David Johnston. Personal life Kakfwi is married to Marie Wilson and has three children and four grandchildren. References 1950 births Living people 20th-century Canadian politicians 21st-century Canadian politicians 20th-century First Nations people 21st-century First Nations people Dene people First Nations politicians Indspire Awards Members of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories Premiers of the Northwest Territories