Dahti Tsetso facts for kids

Dahti Tsetso is a Tłı̨chǫ Dene environmental leader from Canada. She works to protect the environment and support Indigenous communities. Dahti Tsetso is the deputy director of the Indigenous Leadership Initiative. She also used to be the director of lands and resources for the Dehcho First Nations.

Dahti Tsetso's Early Life and Education

Dahti Tsetso was born in Fort Simpson (Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́), which is in the Northwest Territories. She studied at the University of Alberta. There, she earned a science degree in environmental conservation. She also got an arts degree in Native Studies. Later, she received a diploma in Indigenous Language Revitalization from the University of Victoria.

Protecting the Environment

Dahti Tsetso worked for the Dehcho First Nations for over ten years. She helped manage their natural resources. During this time, she helped create the Edéhzhíe Protected Area. This area is Canada's first Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area.

Edéhzhíe Protected Area

The Edéhzhíe Protected Area is located on the Horn Plateau. It covers a huge area of 14,249 square kilometers. This special region is now managed by the Dehcho First Nations. They work together with the Canadian Wildlife Service. Dahti Tsetso said this agreement helps communities protect their land in ways that make sense to them.

Indigenous Leadership Initiative

In her current role, Dahti Tsetso helps Indigenous Nations. She works with them on programs that protect the land. These programs often include Indigenous guardians. She also helps create more Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas. A big part of her job is finding money to support these conservation efforts.

Dehcho K’éhodi Stewardship Program

Within her own First Nation, Dahti Tsetso started a program called Dehcho K’éhodi. This program helps take care of the land. Dehcho K'éhodi means "taking care of the Dehcho" in the Dene Zhatié language.

Educational Programs for Youth

The Dehcho K’éhodi Stewardship and Guardians program includes special camps. These are called the Dehcho Youth Ecology and Traditional Knowledge camps. Dahti Tsetso led these camps for many years.

At these camps, young people learn about the environment. Dene elders share their traditional knowledge. Western scientists also teach about environmental issues. The camps help scientists build good relationships with the Dehcho First Nation.