Edéhzhíe designated national wildlife area

Dehcho First Nations call Edéhzhíe "a spiritual place that is ecologically and physically unique. Its lands, water and wildlife are integral to the Dehcho Dene culture, language and way of life." (Image retrieved from Environment and Climate Change Canada video on Edéhzhíe)

Posted By: Francis Tessier-Burns June 2, 2022

The Edéhzhíe Protected Area in the Dehcho is now also a national wildlife area.

The federal government made the designation earlier this week to mark the beginning of  National Indigenous History Month.

The designation means Edéhzhíe’s lands, waters and biodiversity are protected by federal wildlife laws and regulations. It also means there will not be any mineral, oil or gas exploration in the area.

The federal government put $10 million towards the Edéhzhíe Trust Fund to help fund long-term monitoring and management lead by Dehcho First Nations, including the Dehcho K’éhodi Stewardship and Guardians Program.

“For Dehcho First Nations and our surrounding communities, this is a huge milestone, yet only a stepping stone for our Guardians. Protecting Edéhzhíe is a critical step towards ensuring our way of life can be maintained and shared between our membership as well as with the world,” said DFN interim Grand Chief Stanley Sanguez.

About the Author

Francis Tessier-Burns
Francis was a reporter with CKLB from January 2019 to March 2023. In his time with CKLB, he had the immense pleasure and honour of learning about northern Indigenous cultures.