Advertisement.
The Tłı̨chǫ Government has released a strategic plan for Nàı̨lı̨ı̨, or Whatı̀ Falls, guiding how the area will be treated over the next five years.
“Nàı̨lı̨ı̨ holds deep cultural, spiritual, and ecological importance to the Tłı̨chǫ people,” stated Tłı̨chǫ Grand Chief Jackson Lafferty in a Wednesday news release announcing the plan.
“The Nàı̨lı̨ı̨ Strategic Plan represents an important step towards ensuring that this sacred area is respected and protected in accordance with our values, principles, and way of life. Through this plan, we reaffirm our responsibility as stewards of the land and commit to preserving Nàı̨lı̨ı̨ for future generations.”
The Tłı̨chǫ Government said Nàılıı Wek’èhodì, meaning “to look after and protect the area around the Whatı̀ Falls,” is a newly established Indigenous Protected Area encompassing the falls and 137 square kilometres of ecologically and culturally important Tłı̨chǫ land.
Advertisement.
Advertisement.
The strategic plan details the importance of the falls to the Tłı̨chǫ, including stories associated with its healing properties and ability to predict fortunes through the sign of a rainbow.
The plan states that until the 1980s, when an access road was built from Whatı̀, the falls were only accessible by boat.
The falls have since become more accessible to the general public with the opening of the Tłı̨chǫ Highway in November 2021, which provides all-season road access to Whatı̀.
The Tłı̨chǫ Government is working to upgrade the access road to the stunning falls and build a day-use area and campground.
Advertisement.
Advertisement.
While developing tourism, it also wants to ensure protection of the environment and culture.
‘A foundation for stewardship’
The strategic plan was established by Whatı̀ Elders and youth over the past 18 months.
The Tłı̨chǫ Government said it will serve as a guide to ensure protection of land, water and animals while supporting community programs, education and tourism.
The plan outlines nine key areas of focus:
- protecting and promoting understanding about the spiritual significance of Nàılıı;
- upholding Gonàowo or Tłı̨chǫ heritage, language, culture and way of life;
- protecting the environment;
- creating local opportunities;
- prioritizing public safety;
- establishing visitor protocols;
- celebrating and sharing Gonàowo;
- designing and maintaining infrastructure; and
- researching, collaborating and using best practices of Indigenous environmental stewardship.
The plan includes actions to achieve those goals such as restricting access to the falls to preserve their integrity, developing signage and online resources, restricting technology such as drones that may disturb wildlife, designing animal-safe park infrastructure, and promoting respectful community events in the area.
“This strategic plan integrates Tłı̨chǫ values, traditional knowledge, and community priorities to guide decision-making for the management and operations of Nàı̨lı̨ı̨ Wek’èhodì,” stated Alfonz Nitsiza, the former chief of Whatı̀.
“It provides a foundation for stewardship focused on habitat protection, education and outreach, research collaboration, and cultural programming to ensure the long-term protection of this important area for future generations.”
