In pictures: Yellowknives Dene gather to celebrate fall

People from across the NWT have gathered at the Wıìlıìdeh Site for the Yellowknives Dene First Nation’s Xat’o, or fall, gathering.

Vehicles lined the Ingraham Trail near the site by the Yellowknife River on Saturday afternoon as the sounds of drumming filled the air.

The gathering, which is sharing and celebrating Yellowknives Dene culture and history, began on Friday and runs through Sunday.

Yellowknives Dene First Nation Ndılǫ councillor Jeff Rosnawski, coordinator of the gathering, told Cabin Radio host Sarah Erasmus that this weekend’s events were developed with community input.

He said Yellowknives Dene would traditionally gather at the Wıìlıìdeh Site during the fall to prepare for the winter.

“They would celebrate and eat, talk to each other and celebrate amongst each other,” he said.

Fall can be a difficult time for Elders, he added, as that was when they were taken away to residential school as youth.

“Sometimes it’s triggering for our beloved Elders, for sure. We figured we might as well try to make it a joyous event and something for them to look forward to and kind-of move forward in a positive manner.”

Events planned for the weekend gathering include a $150,000 men’s handgames tournament, a talent show and youth Dene games.

During the gathering, an Elders tent has been set up at the Wıìlıìdeh Site that is hosting a cribbage and Chinese checkers tournament as well as bingos.

There is also a youth tent and bouncy castle, a cultural tent featuring Yellowknives Dene history, sewing and language information, and several food and arts and craft vendors.

Saturday’s events ended with a drum dance around a fire as the sun set.

The gathering is set to conclude on Sunday with hand games tournament finals and a closing drum dance.

Everyone is welcome to attend the gathering. Alcohol and drugs are prohibited at the event.