North·Feature

Deline, N.W.T., has territory's 1st Indigenous/public self-government

Deline, N.W.T., has become the territory's first Indigenous/public self-government and the first to attempt it at the community level. The hamlet of 500 held cultural celebrations last month to mark the historic occasion.

Dene community of 500 makes history with 'grand experiment'

Situated 544 kilometres northwest of Yellowknife, the community of Deline — meaning, "where the waters flow" — lies on the western shore of Great Bear Lake and is home to approximately 500 people. 

The Dene and Métis residents who live in this remote locale have recently embarked on what is being called, "a grand experiment" — becoming the Northwest Territories' first self-governed community, and Canada's first Indigenous/public self-government at the community level.

They government will assume control of all residents — First Nation or not — and eventually be responsible for all community affairs. Celebrations were held in Deline last month and were attended by dignitaries as the new council passed its first laws, budget and adopted North Slavey as the official language of the community.

Discover Deline Got'ine

A former outpost and mine site, remote Deline is located on the western shore of Great Bear Lake and is only accessible by air for most of the year, with an ice road providing access from January through March.

(Pat Kane/Reuters) (Pat Kane/Reuters)

Natural light show

The aurora borealis appears over Great Bear Lake, the world's eighth largest lake — approximately the size of the Netherlands. The Northern Lights can be seen in late August and September or mid-winter. The N.W.T. is one of the best places in the world to view this natural phenomenon. 

The aurora borealis appears over Great Bear Lake.
(Pat Kane/Reuters) (Pat Kane/Reuters)

A grand experiment

Council member Morris Neyelle embraces Deline Got'ine chief negotiator Danny Gaudet at a leadership ceremony on Sept. 7. Deline Got'ine assumed self-government on Sept. 1, passing its first laws and budget. It will eventually assume responsibility for all community affairs including education, health care and social housing. Unlike other self-governments, Deline is unique as it will represent and serve not only Deline First Nation citizens, but all residents of Deline. 

(Pat Kane/Reuters)

Preserving history 

Elders Irene Tetso and Veronica Bayha watch men play hand games at the community hall on Aug. 31. An emphasis on language and Dene laws will guide the new government and play a key role in the community's future plans for education. North Slavey is now Deline's official language and will be fully incorporated into council positions and activities.

(Pat Kane/Reuters)

On the land

Stanley Ferdinand fillets the large trout he caught in Great Bear Lake on Sept. 8. A number of fish can be caught in the lake and Great Bear River, including lake trout, grayling, pickerel and inconnu and have supplemented the community's diet for generations.

(Pat Kane/Reuters) (Pat Kane/Reuters )

Fisherman's paradise

George Baton steers his boat over rough water on Great Bear Lake on Sept 6. The lake is home to record-breaking lake trout with a surface area of 31,400 square kilometres and depths that reach 440 metres. This coupled with 24 hours of sunlight in July and August attracts anglers from around the globe.

(Pat Kane/Reuters)

Hand games tournament

George Dolphus beats a caribou-skin drum during a traditional Dene handgames tournament on Aug. 31. Hand games involves two teams competing to find a hidden object. 

(Pat Kane/Reuters)

Fire feeding

Charlie Neyelle "feeds the fire" at a spiritual ceremony on the sacred grounds of the prophet Louis Ayah Sept. 7. Ayah died in 1940, but his words are still shared by many in the community. He predicted the people of Deline would "receive powers" and "rise" with the rest of the world watching. This is considered a premonition of the advent of self-government.

(Pat Kane/Reuters) (Pat Kane/Reuters)

An example for others

Madeline Champlain and Marie Flunkie, two elders visiting from the community of Whati, wear traditional moccasins with bright socks and skirts for the spiritual gathering in Deline on Sept. 7. Deline's grand experiment will be watched closely by Indigenous communities across Canada, including Colville Lake, N.W.T., which hopes to also be self-governed in four years.

(Pat Kane/Reuters)