Tthebatthı Dënésułıné celebrates name change from Smith's Landing First Nation
New name represents identity, cultural heritage, chief says
Tthebatthı Dënésułıné Nation, formerly known as Smith's Landing, is reclaiming its identity in its new name in the Dënésułıné language.
Community members came together for food, dancing and a talent show from May 9 to 11 to celebrate the milestone.
Chief Thaidene Paulette said the name change is the result of significant community feedback.
"Over the past 10 years, the conversation has been coming up more and more within our people and community of wanting to use a name that, you know, more represents our identity and our cultural heritage," he said.
Tthebatthı is a combination of the Dënésułıné words for rapids and head, together meaning head of the rapids — like Thebacha, or Fort Smith, meaning tail of the rapids.
In addition to the name change, the community celebrated the 25th anniversary of signing their treaty land entitlement agreement over the weekend. Chief and council from the time it was signed were present for the celebration as well as the premier and Dene national chief.
"They really worked hard to get that claim for us," Paulette said of the leadership at the time.
"It gave us reserve land in our area and numerous other parcels within the park and on the Alberta side. Some really nice fishing lakes."
With files from Wanda McLeod