What NND is trying to preserve is a way of life, rather than a singular item such as language or site. All aspects of the old way of life are interdependent, and none can survive alone. We can’t use language only in the classroom and preserving a single building in a village seems pointless. The Language and the Traditional Knowledge, the sites and buildings and artefacts all mean something when seen as an entire way of life and the Heritage department should preserve with their interdependent nature in mind.
Citizens are often hired to assist with various projects, whether to provide background information about a specific place, provide translation services or be a boat driver. The Heritage & Culture Department strives to involve as many citizens as possible in all aspects of its work.
Oral Histories and Traditional Knowledge
NND staff have been working for many years to document oral histories and traditional for various purposes including land claims, place name documentation, Peel Watershed Land Use Planning process, Ddhaw Ghro Habitat Protection area, Devil’s Elbow Habitat Protection Area and other projects as required. This information exists in various forms in our collection, and our staff is working closely with Lands Department staff to ensure that this information is documented and used according to our Traditional Knowledge Guidelines (Spring 2008). We continue to use this information for our purposes as well to contribute to other processes such as applications through YESAB, collaborative research and other partnerships.
For more information about any of our projects and activities, please contact us at 867 996-2265 or heritagemgr@nndfn.com.
A priority of the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk is the preservation and reignition of the Northern Tutchone language. This work is pursued across a number of strategies and initiatives.
Available on the iOS app store and Google Play, the NND Language App provides access and reference to the Northern Tutchone alphabet and vocabulary. Created in collaboration with Citizenship, the NND Language App supports language learners across all levels.
Named by Na-Cho Nyäk Dun Elders, the Kwän Dék’án’ Do initiative translates to, “to keep the fire burning.” The spirit of this work is to reignite the flames of a language that has been reduced to embers – but it has not been extinguished. The project incorporates two key technology components. The first incorporates immersive and interactive technologies such as holopresence and virtual reality to create cultural and educational applications, including lifelike recording of Elders and language speakers as they share stories and Traditional Knowledge in Northern Tutchone. Additionally, the project develops a digital library of 3D scanned community belongings, gathering items from both local collections and institutions across Canada into a single, accessible virtual space. To support this work, twin hologram machines have been placed on Carleton University campus, and within the community of Mayo, Yukon.
The second technological component in this work is using artificial intelligence (AI) to model the Northern Tutchone language and community knowledge. Further, this work supports the creation of new Northern Tutchone words as a response to a fast-changing, globalized world in which the Northern Tutchone people are thriving in.
This work is made possible through the dedicated support of the Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages through their Innovation Projects stream, and the long-term research relationship with Carleton University.
Read more at the project website: https://kwandekando.ca/
NND Department of Heritage and Culture is proud to present a brand new series of Northern Tutchone children’s books, just in time for Indigenous Languages Day!
Reigniting our language starts with you. Download these books today and share them with a little one in your life (or use them to begin your Northern Tutchone journey too!)
Dän Laachewdäw Kún will be a place where everyone feels welcome, a space where people can gather, feel safe, and belong. At the heart of the Dän Laachewdäw Kún is the belief that culture is a living, breathing entity that shapes our lives. It’s about preserving, sharing, and embodying our heritage. This space will give people the opportunity to live their culture—whether it’s preparing hides, carving antlers, learning songs and dances, or working in the amazing kitchen to prepare traditional foods. It’s about giving people the tools and the space to connect to our heritage.
Community Vision:
“Provide the community with a gathering place that we take pride in which instills the appreciation of the rich, long history and reflects our diverse cultural backgrounds. Gathering House will be a place for citizens to reclaim traditional skills and knowledge to live their lives in a good way. It will be a welcoming place for the broader community to learn about our heritage and culture. We acknowledge our shared past while moving forward as a community.”
Quizlet is an online learning tool that allows users to study and master content. We have put all the words in the Na-Cho Nyak Dun Northern Tutchone Dictionary online so anyone who wants to practice and learn them can. The Learn, Flashcards, Write and Test Functions are the best ways to study the words, and when you get better, you can try the Match and Gravity games for more practice. This is an excellent way for anyone to start learning the language, even school age kids!
Note – Make sure to sign up for a free student account when signing up.
Click this link to sign up for an account: https://quizlet.com/sign-up
After making an account click this link to join the Northern Tutchone Language Class and get started learning!
Link to Join Class – https://quizlet.com/join/44RVa6BMU
Once you have made an account and joined the Northern Tutchone Language Class, you can practice the language using either the website or on your mobile device (phone or tablet). To use the app on your mobile device, click the link below for your type of device or look up the Quizlet app on the App Store or Google Play and download the app. Once the Quizlet app has downloaded, open the app, log into your account and start practising!
On a Computer – https://quizlet.com
On Your Mobile Device:
iOS (Apple) – https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/quizlet-flashcards/id546473125?mt=8
Android – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.quizlet.quizletandroid&hl=en_CA
