Ross River Dena Council facts for kids
The Ross River Dena Council is a group of Indigenous people, also known as a First Nation, who live in the eastern part of the Yukon Territory in Canada. Their main community is in a place called Ross River, Yukon. This community is located where two important roads, the Campbell Highway and the Canol Road, meet. It's also close to where the Pelly River and the Ross River join together.
Contents
Who Are the Ross River Dena?
The Ross River Dena are part of a larger group of Indigenous people called the Kaska Dena. They have lived in this area for a very long time. Their traditions and way of life are deeply connected to the land and its history.
What Languages Do They Speak?
The main language spoken by the Ross River Dena people was originally Kaska. This language is part of the Athabaskan language family. Some members of the First Nation also speak Slavey, which is another Indigenous language. Learning and keeping these languages alive is very important for their culture.
Where Do They Live?
The community of Ross River is their main home. It's a small, friendly place surrounded by beautiful nature. The rivers and forests are very important for their way of life, including hunting, fishing, and gathering.
How Many Members Are There?
The Ross River Dena Council has 483 registered members. These members are people who belong to the First Nation. Being a registered member means you are officially recognized as part of the community.
What is the Kaska Tribal Council?
The Ross River Dena Council is part of a bigger group called the Kaska Tribal Council. This council works together for the benefit of several Kaska First Nations. They help make decisions and represent the interests of their people.
What Are Land Claims?
The Kaska Tribal Council is working on something called "land claims." This means they are talking with the government about their traditional lands. They want to make sure their rights to these lands are recognized and protected. This includes areas in the Yukon and northern British Columbia. Land claims are about respecting the history and connection Indigenous people have to their ancestral territories.
