Nahani facts for kids
The word Nahani (also spelled Nahane or Nahanni) is an Athapaskan word. It was used to describe several groups of Indigenous people in Canada. These groups lived in parts of British Columbia, the Northwest Territories, and the Yukon. Their lands stretched between the upper Liard River and the 64th parallel north.
Even though these groups didn't always see themselves as one people, the Canadian government used "Nahani" to refer to them. This continued until the 1970s.
Who Were the Nahani Groups?
The term "Nahani" included several different tribes. Each had its own unique culture and history.
* The Kaska people lived between the Dease River and the Beaver River. * They were divided into different regional groups and smaller bands. * Some Kaska bands included the Titshotina, Tsezotine, and Takutine. * The Esbataottine, also known as "Goat People," lived north and west of the Kaska. They were found along the Beaver River, South Nahanni River, and North Nahanni River. * A group called the Pelly River Indians lived near the Pelly River and Ross River. Their original numbers were greatly reduced around 1884. However, survivors and people from nearby tribes reformed a band in the same area.
- Etagottine
* Known as "Air People," they lived in the valleys of the Gravel River and Dahachuni River.
* The Tagish people lived around Tagish Lake and Marsh Lake.
* The Tahltan people were sometimes also included under the "Nahani" term.
Languages and Population
The groups identified as Nahani often spoke Southern Tutchone and Kaska languages. These are both part of the larger Athapaskan language family.
In 1996, records showed that there were 2,407 registered Nahani people in Canada.
See also
In Spanish: Nahane para niños
