The Yellowknives Dene First Nation (YKDFN) are hosting a special gathering at the Wiiliideh site to honour and celebrate traditions and culture rooted in a spirit of resiliency going back countless generations. The gathering will take place from Aug. 29 to Aug. 30.
The event will feature traditional games and celebrations including a huge handgames tournament, drumming and dancing, along with many more activities where everyone is welcome to participate. There will also be vendors on site, showcasing traditional arts and hand crafted items.
Jeff Rosnawski, who is a YKDFN Councillor and organizer says the Xat’o Gathering is about harvesting unity and a sense of pride for the Dene people.
“Over the years we’ve typically gathered at this time of the season,” Rosnawski told True North FM.
The multi-day gathering is rooted in the traditions and the values of the Dene people, explained Rosnawski.
The festivities will feature many activities centred around the drum, which holds great cultural and traditional significance for the Dene, explained Rosnawski.
The Wiiliideh site holds cultural significance for the Yellowknives Dene Nation, especially during this season.
“This time of year has always been significant for our people, we’ve always traditionally gathered at the Wiiliideh site and prepared for the winter,” said Rosnawski.
“We also wanted to take time to recognise that this time of year also holds special significance as we’re trying to acknowledge the difficult history of many of our Elders because this is the time of year when as youth, they were taken to residential school,” reflected Rosnawski.
Community leadership began organizing the event as a way to honour YKDFN Elders and their enduring cultural legacy.
“The Chiefs and Council thought that maybe we should try to host the event during this time of year, to have a joyful and respectful event and honour and their strength and their spirit, while promoting pride and healing across the different generations.”
Rosnawski said the community feels it is important to acknowledge the resilience of the Elders.
This was among the reasons why organizers chose the date and the location, explained Rosnawski.
The gathering honours Dene traditions honoured by countless generations.
‘Traditionally, the Yellowknives Dene people and Dene, they had camps that extended across the North Shore of the Great State Lake. And they would come and gather at the at the Wiiliideh site, have a fish camp and preparing for the winter,” explained Rosnawski.
The people of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation would gather at the site and have celebrations before preparing for the winter.
“From there, the men would journey North to the migrating caribou and the women would stay behind and go back to their camps, each at their respective camps and take care of their families. And so this is kind of like a celebration before the journey that winter brings,” continued Rosnawski.
The Elder’s tent will host activities including a cribbage tournament, daily Bingo games and raffles. Proceeds from the raffles are going towards a trip being organized by the Dene Elders.
There will be different areas for youth to take part in activities. Games for youth will also take place, featuring traditional Dene games like the stick pole and ring toss.
A live band is scheduled to perform and a talent show is also scheduled for Friday evening.
The main event for the weekend is a $150,000 hand games tournament. Drumming will also be featured with drum dancing taking place each evening.
The event will host activities for all ages including moose calling a duck plucking contest.
A culture tent will be on site promoting the language and culture of the Dene people of the Chief Drygeese Territory.
“Everyone is welcome to attend and participate in the event. We’re anticipating a strong turnout from communities outside of the Yellowknives Dene, and maybe even some from the southern provinces and other territories.”
Anyone who has questions or concerns regarding the event, or would like more information about how to register can reach out by email xatogathering@yk.dene.com Organizers from YKDFN, along with members of Council will be there to engage with members of the public.
“We’ll try to answer any questions regarding the culture and history of the site,” said Rosnawski.
Attendees who would like to help support the gathering can participate in the raffle fundraiser being organized by the Elder, said organizers.
With a focus on healing, the all ages event is a substance free event. Alcohol and other substances are not allowed on site. Organizers extended a message of gratitude for the support they received from the community and asked that those in attendance be respectful.
The gathering is meant to welcome people from all communities living in and around the area of Chief Drygeese Territory, across Turtle Island and beyond.
 are hosting a special gathering at the Wiiliideh site to honour and celebrate traditions and culture rooted in a spirit of resiliency going back countless generations. The gathering will take place from Aug. 29 to Aug. 30. ){kind=link}