Tłı̨chǫ culture, heritage, and pride celebrated in Behchokǫ̀

The sun was shining, the wind was blowing, and smiles were plentiful in Behchokǫ̀ for Tłı̨chǫ Day Celebration on Sunday.

Hundreds of residents and visitors enjoyed an afternoon and evening of fun, food and festivities marking the signing of the Tłı̨chǫ Agreement in 2003.

The Tłı̨chǫ Agreement is a historic land claim and self-government agreement between the Tłı̨chǫ people, the Government of Canada, and the Government of the Northwest Territories.

Behchokǫ̀ resident Roger Flunkie told CKLB that Tłı̨chǫ Day brings everyone together.

“What’s Tłı̨chǫ pride? ASAP, ASAP, ASAP. That’s a Tłı̨chǫ pride. What does that mean? Always strive and prosper. That’s what that’s what we do. Eh? The Dene people.”

Freddie Lafferty is another Behchokǫ̀ resident said Tłı̨chǫ pride exists as Dene people are fiercely independent.

“They don’t want anybody to be like a boss to them. They can do, fishing, hunting, trapping, and they want to keep all that alive and see that hand games going on right now? They’re trying to keep that alive. They come from so far away. They teach their kids how to do that drumming, (the) handgames. It’s not easy learning handgames.

In addition to the ‘mini’ hand games tournament, the day featured a community barbecue, a live band, log splitting, nail pounding, log sawing, egg toss, tug-o-war and other events.

There were cash prizes for some of the challenges, including a parade through the community escorted by an RCMP patrol truck showing off decorated vehicles.