Two new Northern food products produced from Indigenous land by Indigenous people will join the more than 30 tables of hand-crafted artistic creations at a major art sale Saturday in Yellowknife.
The third Tłı̨chǫ Arts Holiday Sale and Showcase takes place tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Caribou Room of the Chateau Nova Hotel. It is the largest event to date for the Tłı̨chǫ.
There you will find Tea of Our Ancestors and Fireweed Blossom Syrup, both created in partnership with CanNor, Laughing Lichen and the Tłı̨chǫ Government.
Behchokǫ̀ Chief Clifford Daniels samples two new traditional Tłı̨chǫ food products now available for sale.
The launch was on the eve of the third Tłı̨chǫ Arts Holiday Sale and Showcase at the Chateau Nova in Yellowknife. (James O’Connor/CKLB)
On Friday afternoon, a proud Behchokǫ̀ Chief Clifford Daniels took the ceremonial first tastes after speaking to the assembled media and guests.
“Yeah, it’s good!” was the Chief’s first impression, as he tasted the syrup after having a sip of the tea.
Tłı̨chǫ Manager of Economic Development Susan Nitsiza said seeing the products ready for sale makes her very proud.
“Our ancestors, our Tłı̨chǫ ancestors, have been making these products long before our time,” she said, noting Elders helped with the process.
“It makes me very proud for the people that made this, for the Tłı̨chǫ people to have this product to be showcased and sold during our showcase and sale … so yes, I’m proud.”
The summer foraging and internship program was used to connect Tłı̨chǫ community harvesters to traditional knowledge regarding plant use and it enabled sustainable foraging on Tłı̨chǫ lands.
The Tłı̨chǫ Government stated the two unique retail food products will help to make cultural connections and to promote economic development based on traditional values.
Several seasonal jobs will also be created to produce the tea and syrup.
This year at the show and sale, shoppers will be able pick up a “Moccasin Trail Passport” to be used while stopping at cultural stations.
All shoppers who participate in the Moccasin Trail experiences will be eligible for hourly prizes and the day’s grand prize – a pair of custom-made moccasins, made by one of the Tłı̨chǫ artists at the showcase.
Santa will be there for photos and he will be giving treats to the children and posing for photos with them.
A reminder that another crafty Indigenous seasonal event takes place next weekend.
The YKDFN Craft and Bake Sale takes place Saturday, November 30th in the Ndilo Gym from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Spaces are still available to rent, going for $10 a table. All proceeds will go directly towards the YKDFN’s Wellness Programs. To register for a table, call the YKDFN Wellness Office at 867-920-2925.
Behchokǫ̀ Chief Clifford Daniels samples two new traditional Tłı̨chǫ food products now available for sale. The launch was on the eve of the third Tłı̨chǫ Arts Holiday Sale and Showcase at the Chateau Nova. That’s noted local filmmaker Sadetło Scott with the camera. (James O’Connor/CKLB)
Images of the two new Tłı̨chǫ food products are unveiled as Behchokǫ̀ Chief Clifford Daniels looks on Friday afternoon at the Chateau Nova in Yellowknife. (James o’Connor/CKLB)
