Shocked, honoured to be called: new chief and law student

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This article was published 26/07/2025 (308 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

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 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 Brandon Sun.

Bunn described the first few weeks after she was elected chief in April as “surreal.” Three months later, her new reality has sunk in.

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 is located about 130 kilometres northwest of Brandon. As of 2021, the registered population was 907 with 408 living in the community.

Roughly 40 people gathered to witness the historical moment outside the community 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.”

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 Sr.

In an interview 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 and will start 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 female 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 any time 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.

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.

“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.”

Gabriel Bunn said it’s nice to see his daughter’s hard work pay off, adding that usually an achievement like this comes much later in life.

He said when Bunn told them she wanted to be chief, he wasn’t sure how to feel since the role holds a lot of responsibility. After he and his daughter had 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 said.

“I’m very proud of her and the community for the support they are giving.”

— Brandon Sun