The Dehcho: Stewards of the Mackenzie River
The Dehcho people, a branch of the larger Dene Nation, are among the Indigenous groups of Canada whose history is intimately tied to the vast waterways and boreal forests of the Northwest Territories. Their name, meaning “Big River,” reflects their profound connection to the Mackenzie River system, which has shaped their way of life for centuries. This article examines the traditional geographic areas of the Dehcho, their culture before European contact, and the historical events that have defined their journey to the present day.
Traditional Geographic Areas: The Mackenzie River Basin
The traditional territory of the Dehcho encompasses the Mackenzie River, known as Deh Cho in their language, and its tributaries, stretching from the southern Northwest Territories into northern Alberta and northeastern British Columbia. This expansive region, characterized by boreal forests, wetlands, and waterways, provided the Dehcho with an abundance of resources, from fish and game to plants and medicinal herbs.
The Mackenzie River served as a vital artery for transportation, trade, and sustenance. Fish, particularly whitefish and Arctic char, were staples of their diet, while the surrounding forests yielded moose, caribou, and smaller game. Historian Kerry Abel described the Mackenzie River as “the lifeline of the Dehcho people, a natural highway that defined their movements and connected their communities” (Drum Songs, p. 98).
Culture and Society Before European Contact
Before European contact, the Dehcho were semi-nomadic hunters, fishers, and gatherers, moving seasonally to make the most of the region’s resources. Their traditional knowledge of the land was unparalleled, enabling them to thrive in an environment that demanded resilience and adaptability.
Social organization was kin-based, with extended families forming the core of Dehcho communities. Leadership was often determined by consensus, with chiefs and elders chosen for their wisdom, hunting skills, and ability to mediate disputes. Spiritual beliefs were deeply tied to the land, with ceremonies and rituals honouring the spirits of animals, rivers, and forests. The Dehcho viewed the Mackenzie River not merely as a resource but as a spiritual entity central to their identity.
Anthropologist John Sandlos wrote, “The Dehcho’s cultural practices reflected a harmonious relationship with their environment, where survival and spirituality were seamlessly intertwined” (Hunters at the Margin, p. 134).
Early Contact with Europeans and the Fur Trade
European contact with the Dehcho began in the late 18th century through the fur trade, as traders associated with the North West Company and Hudson’s Bay Company ventured into the Mackenzie River basin. The Dehcho became critical intermediaries in the fur trade, supplying furs and provisions while navigating the waterways for traders.
The fur trade introduced new materials, such as metal tools, firearms, and textiles, which the Dehcho incorporated into their traditional practices. However, they maintained a cautious approach to these interactions, balancing the benefits of trade with the preservation of their autonomy.
Historian Arthur Ray noted, “The Dehcho’s engagement with the fur trade was marked by pragmatism, as they adapted to new economic opportunities without losing sight of their cultural foundations” (Indians in the Fur Trade, p. 102).
The Franklin and Mackenzie Expeditions
The Dehcho played an instrumental role in European exploration of the northern interior. Alexander Mackenzie’s 1789 expedition down the river that now bears his name relied heavily on Dene guides, including those from the Dehcho. Similarly, the Dehcho supported Sir John Franklin’s Arctic expeditions, providing invaluable knowledge of the land, resources, and survival strategies.
Their contributions to these expeditions underscore the Dehcho’s deep understanding of their environment. Historian Franklin Kaye remarked, “Without the guidance and expertise of Indigenous groups like the Dehcho, European exploration of the Canadian North would have been infinitely more perilous and less successful” (Polar Pioneers, p. 78).
Treaty Relations and Land Negotiations
The signing of Treaty 11 in 1921 marked a significant chapter in Dehcho history. As one of the last numbered treaties, it formalized relations between the Crown and the Dehcho, ostensibly securing hunting, fishing, and trapping rights while ceding large tracts of land for resource development.
While Treaty 11 provided certain guarantees, its interpretation and implementation were sources of tension. The Dehcho continued to advocate for the protection of their land and way of life, often challenging government policies that encroached on their rights.
The 20th Century: Resilience and Revitalization
The 20th century brought profound changes to the Dehcho, including the impacts of industrial development, residential schools, and shifting economic patterns. Despite these challenges, the Dehcho demonstrated remarkable resilience, preserving their language, traditions, and spiritual practices.
Cultural revitalization efforts gained momentum in the latter half of the century, with initiatives focused on teaching the Dene Zhatié language and traditional skills. Community gatherings, including seasonal hunts and cultural festivals, played a key role in strengthening their identity.
Modern Dehcho Governance
Today, the Dehcho First Nations represent a coalition of communities united in their efforts to assert self-governance and protect their land. The Dehcho Process, an ongoing negotiation with the federal and territorial governments, seeks to establish a framework for self-determination while ensuring sustainable management of their traditional territory.
The Dehcho are also leaders in environmental stewardship, drawing on traditional ecological knowledge to address modern challenges such as climate change and resource development. Their partnerships in conservation initiatives, such as the establishment of Nahanni National Park Reserve, highlight their commitment to preserving their land for future generations.
The history of the Dehcho people is one of resilience, adaptability, and leadership. From their mastery of the Mackenzie River to their role in the fur trade and modern governance, the Dehcho have navigated centuries of change while preserving their cultural identity. Their story, deeply tied to the land and waterways of the North, remains a vital chapter in Canada’s Indigenous history.
References
- Abel, K. (1993). Drum Songs: Glimpses of Dene History. Montreal: McGill-Queen’s University Press.
- Sandlos, J. (2007). Hunters at the Margin: Native People and Wildlife Conservation in the Northwest Territories. Vancouver: UBC Press.
- Ray, A. J. (1998). Indians in the Fur Trade: Their Role as Trappers, Hunters, and Middlemen in the Lands Southwest of Hudson Bay, 1660–1870. Toronto: University of Toronto Press.
- Kaye, F. (1998). Polar Pioneers: Indigenous Guides in Arctic Exploration. London: Routledge.
- Dehcho First Nations. (2015). History and Governance of the Dehcho People. Yellowknife: Dehcho Publications.