“The northern lights, they were all pointing right at the Dettah Chief Drygeese Hall. It just symbolized the whole weekend and how it was so spiritual.”
Heather Wifladt told Cabin Radio she felt “connected with each other and even our ancestors” as she drove with Elders to Saturday’s drum dance, a highlight of the weekend’s Yellowknives Dene First Nation Spring Carnival.
A mental health counselor at YKDFN’s Department of Health and Wellness, which hosts the carnival, Wifladt said the event as a whole is about connection.
“We haven’t seen each other in a while because it’s been so cold,” she said, “so it’s really been about connecting and celebrating.” (The winter of 2025-26 is rivalling 2021-22 as one of the region’s coldest in recent years.)
Activities throughout the weekend ranged from a kiddie carnival to mixed-age hand games and outdoor competitions like snow snake, snowshoe races and a log throw.
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Jennifer Charlo, a recreation coordinator for the First Nation, said she looks forward to the outdoor events. “It’s always fun, because all our family and friends come together after a long winter,” she said.
Jennifer Drygeese, director at the Department of Health and Wellness, said the weekend meant a lot to her and the team.
“I’m really happy that everything turned out,” she said.
“Everyone was safe and united and we had a really good turnout. We had different events to accommodate a different demographic of people, so everyone felt welcomed and they felt a part of the carnival.”
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Charlo said additions this year included a pancake breakfast on Sunday as well as events for Elders.
The Det’on Cho Group of Companies, which is the First Nation’s economic wing, was a carnival sponsor.
“We have an Elders program with Det’on Cho and YKDFN Wellness. So we basically see the Elders every month and then we have lunch with them, we’re taking them on tours,” said Ivania Carballo-Hinchey, Det’on Cho’s marketing and communications manager.
“They know who we are, we know who they are, and it’s nice to see their faces.”
Ashton Gahdële said the drum dance on Saturday night was electric.
“It makes you feel good. It’s medicine. I was drumming, too, and it’s empowering to come together as people,” he said.
Drygeese also said the drum dance was her favourite event. “I feel a spiritual connection and it’s a part of my healing,” she said.
“People should just come out and enjoy, even though it’s cold, but just dress up warm,” said Randy Baillargeon.
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“Our number one Dene law is we share what we have. We share our knowledge, we share our strength, we share our skill.”
Drygeese said next year will be even bigger and will be moved to the first weekend in April.
“We are always trying to try new things,” she said, adding organizers plan to bring back dog races.
