The Dene Cultural Institute is a non-profit society incorporated under the Territorial Societies Act. It has charitable status and membership is open to all residents of the Northwest Territories who are beneficiaries of Dene or Metis aboriginal rights claims and over the age of 18 years.

Both the Denendeh Elders Council and the Board of Directors have representation from the five regions within Denendeh. Their role is to ensure that the Institute meets it's mandate of promoting and protecting all aspects of Dene culture.