The Dehcho in the Southwest Region encompasses the majestic Nahanni National Park Reserve, which has been inspiring artists and explorers alike for hundreds of years. Spectacular waterfalls, the mighty Mackenzie River and thick boreal forest surround the region’s communities and are home to a wide variety of wildlife, birds and luscious plant life. The South Slavey speaking Dene are passionate about preserving their culture and traditional ways of life.
Birch trees surround the Fort Liard area of the territory and traditional artists have perfected the technique of gathering and preparing the raw birchbark to make exquisite birchbark baskets. These baskets are intricately decorated with beadwork, moosehair tufting or quillwork in the designs of fruit, flowers and birds. Locally tanned moose or caribou hide are also used to create clothing and footwear, embellished with similar techniques to add colour and unique artistic expression.
There is a multicultural influence that encourages contemporary techniques to blend with traditional arts, musicians to sing from the heart and authors to tell stories of living in this picturesque part of the country. The annual Open Sky Festival held every summer in Fort Simpson demonstrates these diverse talents.
Current Regional Updates
The Department of Industry, Tourism & Investment’s (ITI's) Strategic Initiatives have provided funding to emerging and established Dehcho artisans throughout the Dehcho. ITI has also been assisting the NWT Registered artists by making traditionally tanned Moosehide and fur pelts available for purchase. There have been, and continue to be, opportunities for artists to participate in exhibits, events, workshops and network throughout the year.
Fort Simpson's own Thomas Simpson School hosted the Mackenzie Regional Youth Conference from March 3rd - March 6th, 2014. It was attended by 179 students from the Decho communities. There were 32 workshops offered centering around four themes: Informational/learning, Tradition & cutlure, Sports and Activity, and Arts & Crafts including Scarf painting, Blanket sewing, feather jewelry making, leather handling, and film workshop.
Jamie Look held a Jewelry workshop in the Dehcho, supported by ITI, from February 28th - March 2nd.
The ITI Deh Cho Regional Staff visited the surrounding communities in March & April to promote their programs. A follow-up visit will take place again later in the year.
Current Regional Events
National Aboriginal Day - June 21st - Territorial holiday with events held in all communities.
Liidlii Kue Firts Nation will be hosting the Aboriginal Days and Spring Gathering events June 21-23rd. This week-end event will include Canoe races, Traditional Arts & Crafts workshops, Traditional Dene games, and a community feast with drummers and performers.
Bompas Elementary School – Dene Kee Gudeh/W are Speaking the Dene Way (Traditional Sewing Workshop): The Dehcho Friendship Centre is spearheading this workshop for elementary students. Mary Jane Cazon, a well known local artisan, is teaching the kids how to make winter mitts using rabbit fur and moose hide and while she teaches she speaks in the Dene Language.This course is being offered to students during their lunch hours.
Fort Simpson
Annual Dehcho Assembly June 24- 28th - Jean Marie River, NT - Evening Events include drum dances, talent show, a feast, your activities, hand games, and more!
Storytelling Road Festival (Northern Art and Cultural Centre) - Mid May - Mid June - A traveling storytelling festival will be bringing events to Fort Simpson, Behchoko, Fort Liard, Kakisa, Enterprise, Hay River, Fort Smith, and Fort Resolution.
Fort Liard
Storytelling Road Festival (Northern Art and Cultural Centre) - Mid May - Mid June - A traveling storytelling festival will be bringing events to Fort Simpson, Behchoko, Fort Liard, Kakisa, Enterprise, Hay River, Fort Smith, and Fort Resolution.
Acho Dene Koe Band Office hosts a ladies sewing group on Mondays and Thursday evening