Presentation of the proposed Teetlit Gwichin National Historic Site - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Presentation of the proposed Teetl’it Gwich’in National Historic Site to the Peel Watershed Planning Commission Fort McPherson – June 9, 2005

Teetl’it Gwich’in National Historic Site Steering Committee Members: Walter Alexie, Robert Alexie Sr., Jane Charlie, Neil Colin, Bertha Francis, Doris Itsi, William Koe, Eunice Mitchell, Sharon Snowshoe, Rachel Stewart, Mary Teya, William Teya

Overview • Present our interest in the establishment of a national historic site on Teetl’it Gwich’in lands • Based on the oral history from elders • Letters of support from landowners • National Historic Sites are a tool to increase awareness

We are the Teetl’it Gwich’in Teetl’it Gwich’in means: “in the middle (people)” or “at the head of the waters (people)” This is our home!

Gwich’in Groups at Contact Nine Gwich’in groups at contact

Proposed Teetl’it Gwich’in National Historic Site - 2 areas One section of the site begins where the Mackenzie and Peel Rivers meet and extends south to Trail River (165 km). The second part of the site is located further upriver and is a 41 km stretch of the river that includes the Peel Canyon.

Overview of Teetl’it Gwich’in History In 1826 John Franklin “discovered” and named the Peel River The Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) crew travelled by York boat in 1839 from Fort Good Hope to the Peel River

Overview of Teetl’it Gwich’in History They paddled about 100 miles up the Peel River and met our people including Teetl’it Gwich’in leader “Painted Face’s Father” at Ok chi’ - a favourite fish camp & gathering location.

Overview of Teetl’it Gwich’in History HBC built their post at Zheh gwajat in 1840, then moved it to Chii tsal dik (Teetl’it zheh) in 1848.

Overview of Teetl’it Gwich’in History According to the Elders the fort was also moved to get a clear view of raiding Siglit, who later joined the Gwich’in in peaceful trading.

Overview of Teetl’it Gwich’in History Drawings after Murray 1848 The fort replaced the gathering places for the Teetl’it, Dagoo and Gwichya Gwich’in peoples.

Overview of Teetl’it Gwich’in History Seasonal life revolved around the land; winter camps were used for caribou hunting in the mountains.

Journey up the Peel River Aerial view of Peel Canyon

Journey up the Peel River Nagwichoo tshik - Mouth of the Peel Village

Journey up the Peel River Nagwichoo tshik - Mouth of the Peel Village

Journey up the Peel River Nagwichoo tshik - Mouth of the Peel Village

Journey up the Peel River Nagwichoo tshik - Neil Colin’s house at Mouth of the Peel Village

Journey up the Peel River Neil Colin checking his fish net at Mouth of the Peel Village

Examples of Traditional Camp & Village on the Land Natainlaii and Eight Miles Village

Example of a Sacred/Legendary Place Shildii and Deedhoo goonlii

Example of Meeting and Working with Other Cultural Groups Gwich’in and RNWMP

Example of a Burial Site Grave across from Simon vizheh (Sam’s Place)

Example of a Trail, Interaction with Other Cultural Groups, Resource Harvesting Location Walter and Robert Alexie’s camp at Trail River

Example of a Trail, Interaction with Other Cultural Groups, Resource Harvesting Location Trail River trail - traditional Teetl’it Gwich’in trail

Example of a Trail, Interaction with Other Cultural Groups, Resource Harvesting Location Teetl’it Gwich’in traditional trail

Example of a Trail, Interaction with Other Cultural Groups, Resource Harvesting Location Teetl’it Gwich’in traditional trail

Example of a Trail, Interaction with Other Cultural Groups, Resource Harvesting Location Walter and Robert Alexie’s camp at Trail River

Upper Peel River Stretch (Peel Canyon) Story of Sites Related to Moose Skin Boat Construction and Travel Moose skin boat - Fort McPherson Downstream end of Canyon

Upper Peel River Stretch (Peel Canyon) Story of Sites Related to Moose Skin Boat Construction and Travel Travelling through the Canyon

Upper Peel River Stretch (Peel Canyon) Story of Sites Related to Moose Skin Boat Construction and Travel Aerial view of the Peel Canyon looking downstream

Closing Remarks Today, most people live in Fort McPherson. We still rely on the land for food, clothing and medicine.

Replicas of 19th C. Gwich’in Caribou Skin Summer Clothing

Our Culture and Language are Closely Tied to the Land

We ask for your support in designating this site as a National Historic Site. Mahsi’ choo!