Yellowknives Dene First Nation facts for kids
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| People | Yellowknives |
|---|---|
| Treaty | Treaty 8 |
| Headquarters | Ndilǫ Dettah |
| Territory | Northwest Territories |
| Population (2021) | |
| On reserve | 11 |
| On other land | 771 |
| Off reserve | 835 |
| Total population | 1,617 |
| Government | |
| Chief | Edward Sangris |
| Tribal Council | |
| Akaitcho Territory Government | |
| Website | |
| ykdene.com | |
The Yellowknives Dene First Nation is a group of Indigenous people in Canada's Northwest Territories. They are part of the larger Dene family. This First Nation is named after the Yellowknives people. The city of Yellowknife, the capital of the Northwest Territories, also gets its name from them.
Most members of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation live in two main communities. These are Ndilǫ, which is right next to the city of Yellowknife, and Dettah, located across Yellowknife Bay from the city.
Contents
Who Are the Yellowknives Dene?
The Yellowknives Dene First Nation is a self-governing group. They work to represent their people and manage their lands. They are one of many First Nations in Canada. A "First Nation" is a term for Indigenous peoples who are not Inuit or Métis.
Their Land and Communities
The Yellowknives Dene live in the Northwest Territories. Their traditional lands are around the Great Slave Lake area. The two main communities where their members live are Ndilǫ and Dettah.
- Ndilǫ: This community is very close to Yellowknife. It sits on Latham Island, which is connected to the city.
- Dettah: This community is a bit further away. It is separated from Yellowknife by Yellowknife Bay. People often travel between Dettah and Yellowknife by ice road in winter or by boat in summer.
How Many Members?
As of 2021, the Yellowknives Dene First Nation had a total population of 1,617 members. Most of these members live off-reserve or on other lands, with a small number living on reserve lands.
Leadership and Government
The Yellowknives Dene First Nation has its own government. This government is called a "band government." It makes decisions for the community.
The Chief and Council
The leader of the First Nation is called the Chief. As of the information provided, the Chief is Edward Sangris. The Chief works with a council. This council helps make important decisions for the community. They look after things like land, culture, and the well-being of their people.
Working with Other Nations
The Yellowknives Dene First Nation is part of a larger group called the Akaitcho Territory Government. This group helps different Dene First Nations work together. They discuss important issues that affect all their communities.
History and Treaties
The Yellowknives Dene people have lived in the Northwest Territories for a very long time. Their history is rich with traditions and knowledge of the land.
Treaty 8
The Yellowknives Dene First Nation is a signatory to Treaty 8. A treaty is a formal agreement between Indigenous peoples and the Canadian government. Treaty 8 was signed in 1899. It covers a large area of land in northern Canada. These treaties are important because they set out rights and responsibilities for both sides.
