It was back in the late 1980s, when Calgary was hosting the Winter Olympics, Crocodile Dundee was in the theatres, and Brian Mulroney was Prime Minster of Canada.  That’s when Rene Camsell made the commitment to volunteer for the Rae Fire Department, and he has maintained that commitment for more than 30 years since.

Of course, now Rene is the Behchokǫ̀ Fire Chief and known throughout the Territory for his commitment to the Fire Department, to Search & Rescue, and to the safety of the residents of Behchokǫ̀.

And, in the last few years, Rene and his Assistant Fire Chiefs have not only provided training and support to the Rae & Edzo Fire Departments, but they have also provided training and support to other Tłı̨chǫ communities. Rene is known and respected throughout the NWT.

On March 26, 2019 in Ottawa, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada, presented Rene James Camsell with a Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers for his commitment to Behchokǫ̀, to the Tłı̨chǫ Region, and to the NWT.

Congratulations and Thank You, “SpeeSpee”.  For your service and support to our community, to the Tłı̨chǫ Region, and to the Northwest Territories.

-Written statement done by Larry Baran  and photo sent by Rene Camsell 

https://www.gg.ca/en/media/news/2019/governor-general-honour-remarkable-canadians-rideau-hall