This report considers Tłı̨chǫ knowledge of Tsǫ̀tı̀deè, from Whatì to Hàèlı̨ı̨. This knowledge encompasses the activities and places that are and have always been culturally important to the Tłı̨chǫ people in this area.
The research grew from concerns within the Whatì community about possible negative impacts from the Tłı̨chǫ Tı̨lıı̀ (Tłı̨chǫ Highway) as more non-Dene come into the area. They want to protect their lifestyle and relationships with animals, places, trails, and associated stories that allow them to know their past, while planning for the future — as they travel, work, and thrive within Mǫwhı̀ Gogha Dè Nı̨ı̨tlèè, the place where Tłı̨chǫ belong.
The overall goal of this project was to support the Tłı̨chǫ government to protect the river, fish and their habitat, camps, grave sites, and other places, to ensure that non-Tłı̨chǫ and Tłı̨chǫ alike care about and show respect for the land.
The research objectives were to document Elder’s knowledge and stories of Tsǫ̀tı̀deè and Gòlotı̀deè, as they relate to fish and fisheries, including seasonal movement; other animals harvested in relation to the river; landscapes and places where people camped, fished, and harvested; Tłı̨chǫ rules associated with fish, fisheries, water, and places; and Nàı̨lı̨ı̨ and its historic and cultural importance to the Tłı̨chǫ.
