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In this portion of our guide, we will examine the Dene First Nations people.

Commonly, Dene is used to refer to the Athabaskan speakers of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut in Canada, particularly the Chipewyan (Denesuline), Ticho (Dogrib), Yellowknives (T'atsaot'ine), Slavey (Deh Gah Got'ine, or Deh Cho), and Sahtu. "Dene" is sometimes used to refer to all Northern Athabaskan speakers, who are spread across Alaska and northern Canada.

While the above groups are those most commonly referred to as the Dene, other groups who consider themselves Dene include the Tsuu T'ina, the Beaver people (Danezaa or Dunneza), the Dakelh (Carrier), the Tsilhgot'in, the Gwich'in, and Tanana. The Nicola Athapaskans, often included among the Dene, have been absorbed into the Nicola people, an alliance of Nlaka'pamux and Okanagan peoples.

In 2005, elders from among the Dene people decided to join the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organisation (UNPO), seeking recognition for their ancestral cultural and land rights.

The largest concentration of Denesuline speakers reside in the northern Saskatchewan village of La Loche and the adjoining Clearwater River Dene Nation, where Denesuline is spoken by nearly 90% of the residents.

Denesoline bands inhabit areas around Great Slave Lake, Great Bear Lake, and along the Mackenzie River, where caribou hunting is a large part of the economy, while the Tlicho are in the Northwest Territories, and the Dinjii Zhuh are in Alaska and the Yukon, where they also rely heavily on caribou hunting.

The ancestral homelands of the Dene covers a wide area that includes boreal forests, tundra, and mountains. For thousands of years, the Dene have lived in harsh arctic and boreal regions, but have thrived.

During the long winters, the Dene developed various games that have served as entertainment and training in hunting skills, as well as passing the time. One of these games includes the Finger Pull, a test of physical strength and endurance, in which players lock their middle fingers together and pull as hard as they can until one person gives up. While simple as far as complexity is concerned, this helped men strengthen their fingers for carrying out various fishing tasks. The Dene Swing is a competition where players try to push their opponent off a swing. In the Pole Push, participants push against each other using long poles, a test of strength and balance. Held bi-annually, the Arctic Winter Games showcases several Dene Games.

Music also plays a significant role in traditional Dene culture. Drumming circles are common, where drums are blessed before use. Drums are viewed as healing and spiritual instruments. Music is passed down from generation to generation. Songs serve to preserve history, share knowledge, and tell stories. Elders use songs to teach new generations about their ancestors, the importance of the land, and significant events. Music is intertwined with Dene spirituality. Songs are used for entertainment, but also in ceremonies, rituals, and healing practices. Drumming and singing are essential in Dene ceremonies, vision quests, and other spiritual gatherings. Music continues to reflect the resilience and culture of the Dene people.

Traditionally, and to a large extent, even today, the Dene people have relied heavily on caribou, although deer, moose, and rabbits are also hunted. Fishing supplemented their diet, particularly for those living near the coast or along waterways.

The Dene people have an artistic heritage that has been expressed through beadwork, basketry, and quillwork, characterized by a deep respect for the resources of the natural world. Traditional Dene clothing, adorned with exquisite designs, served as a form of cultural expression, as well as protection against harsh environments.

European colonization had significant effects on the lives of the Dene peoples. The arrival of Europeans led to the loss of traditional lands and resources, and treaties generally marginalized Indigenous communities. Of course, European influences disrupted Dene customs and traditions. Missionaries often suppressed Indigenous practices, including drum ceremonies. As occurred in other parts of the continent, the Europeans introduced diseases that devastated Dene populations.

Despite these challenges, the Dene have demonstrated remarkable resilience in preserving their cultural heritage, and are actively engaged in cultural revitalization efforts to preserve their traditions, ceremonies, and language.

Dene communities have also asserted their rights and sovereignty, participating in self-governance and advocating for land rights and sovereignty.

 

 

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