Heidi Hodgson

Councillor Heidi Hodgson was raised in Norman Wells by two pillars of the community, Eddy and Mitzi Hodgson, whose lives embodied generosity, service, and a deep respect for the land and the people who call it home. As members of one of the original families in the region, the Hodgsons have lived, hunted, trapped, and harvested here for generations. Heidi’s grandmother, Cecilia, a respected elder who raised 18 children, passed down traditional Dene laws and values that continue to guide Heidi’s approach to leadership and community life. Norman Wells is one of five communities in the Sahtu region, four of which are traditional Indigenous communities. While Norman Wells itself is not fully Indigenous, it is situated within a region where Indigenous history, culture, and continuity are foundational. Heidi believes it is essential that municipal leadership includes voices grounded in this history — voices that understand the land, the people, and the long‑term stewardship responsibilities carried by those whose families have been here for generations and will remain long after. These teachings—rooted in Indigenous law, collective responsibility, and reciprocity—form the foundation of Heidi’s work. Her connection to her Indigenous roots is central to her identity, and she remains an active member of the local Métis community. Heidi has been deeply involved in the Métis Local, which is now transitioning toward self‑government, bringing both historical understanding and practical governance experience to this important moment for her people. Heidi began her political involvement in her mid‑20s as a board member of Métis Local #59. Over the decades that followed, she built an extensive record of public service. While raising her three children, she served on the Town Planning and Land Use Committee, the Health and Social Services Committee, and spent 14 years as Chairperson of the Norman Wells District Education Authority. She also served two terms on the Sahtu Divisional Education Council and three terms on the Norman Wells Housing Authority board. Her volunteer contributions are equally significant. Heidi has supported the Catholic Church, helped establish and run Girl Guides, Brownies, and Sparks, and has been a steady presence in youth programming and community initiatives. She is always willing to speak for those who feel unheard, to support residents who have nowhere else to turn, and to advocate for community members who need a strong and steady voice on their side. Her work reflects a long‑standing belief that strong communities are built through shared effort and care for the next generation. Now serving her third term on Town Council, Heidi brings a rare combination of lived experience, institutional knowledge, and cultural grounding. Her career with Imperial Oil, her decades of board and committee service, and her deep understanding of the history and people of Norman Wells give her a perspective rooted in both tradition and practical governance. Heidi’s roots in this community run generations deep. She remains committed to strengthening Norman Wells through principled leadership, cultural continuity, and a steadfast dedication to the wellbeing of residents.