The cold-snap before Christmas came to an end before folks from across the Dehcho region welcomed the New Year.
Drum dances were held in the communities of Sambaa Ke and Fort Providence New Year’s Eve.
Deh Gah Gotie Chief Joachim Bonnetrouge says the holidays have been a wonderful time in his community, with many youth returning home from their post-secondary studies in Alberta and British Columbia.
“We had a large number of children this year. A lot of 1, 2 and 3 year olds on the floor. They really made a difference. A big Mahsi-cho to the group of women who organized our amazing evening,” Bonnetrouge told CKLB Thursday morning.
Longtime musician Johnny Landry and his band also played after the drum dance, making it a family friendly event.
Dehcho MLA Ron Bonnetrouge shared some beautiful photos of the New Year’s celebration on Facebook.
NWT MP Michael McLeod also took in the New Year’s Eve celebrations in his hometown. He also shared a few photo’s form the evening on his Facebook page.
Celebrations were put on hold in Fort Simpson that had been planned by the Liidlii Kue First Nation, out of respect for a family who lost a loved one just before Christmas.
