Member-only story

The End of the Earth People: The Arctic Sahtu Dene

Javier Bell

·2.4k Followers· Follow

Published in End Of Earth People: The Arctic Sahtu Dene

6 min read

1.8k View Claps

100 Respond

Save

Listen

A Group Of Sahtu Dene Elders Sit On A Rock, Wearing Traditional Clothing. End Of Earth People: The Arctic Sahtu Dene

The Arctic Sahtu Dene are a group of nomadic hunters and trappers who have lived in the remote Mackenzie River Valley for thousands of years. They are one of the last remaining groups of people in the world who live a traditional, subsistence lifestyle. Their culture and way of life are closely tied to the land and its resources. But in recent years, their traditional way of life has been threatened by climate change and other factors.

End-of-Earth People: The Arctic Sahtu Dene

by Bern Will Brown

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6699 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	184 pages

History

The Arctic Sahtu Dene are descended from the Dene people, who migrated to North America from Asia thousands of years ago. The Sahtu Dene settled in the Mackenzie River Valley around 1,000 years ago. They lived a nomadic lifestyle, following the caribou herds and hunting other animals for food. They also fished and gathered berries and plants.

In the 18th century, the Sahtu Dene came into contact with European fur traders. The fur trade had a profound impact on the Sahtu Dene way of life. They began to trap fur-bearing animals for trade, and they also adopted some European goods and technologies.

In the 19th century, the Sahtu Dene were forced to settle in permanent villages by the Canadian government. This was a major change for the Sahtu Dene, who had always been nomadic. The government also banned the Sahtu Dene from hunting certain animals, and they were forced to rely more on government assistance.

Culture

The Arctic Sahtu Dene have a rich culture that is closely tied to the land and its resources. They have a strong oral tradition, and they pass down their stories and knowledge from generation to generation. The Sahtu Dene also have a deep respect for the environment, and they believe that they are part of a larger web of life.

The Sahtu Dene are known for their skilled craftsmanship. They make beautiful caribou skin clothing, moccasins, and other items. They also make traditional tools and weapons, such as snowshoes, toboggans, and bows and arrows.

The Sahtu Dene are also known for their music and dance. They have a variety of traditional songs and dances, which they perform at social gatherings and ceremonies.

Challenges

In recent years, the Arctic Sahtu Dene have faced a number of challenges, including climate change, environmental degradation, and economic development. Climate change is causing the Arctic to warm at twice the rate of the rest of the world, and this is having a significant impact on the Sahtu Dene way of life.

The warming climate is causing the caribou herds to decline, and this is making it more difficult for the Sahtu Dene to hunt for food. The climate change is also causing the permafrost to melt, and this is damaging the infrastructure and homes of the Sahtu Dene.

Environmental degradation is also a major challenge for the Sahtu Dene. The Sahtu Dene live in a fragile ecosystem, and they are vulnerable to the effects of pollution and other environmental threats. The Sahtu Dene are also concerned about the impact of economic development on their traditional way of life.

The Sahtu Dene are facing a number of challenges, but they are a resilient people. They have lived in the Arctic for thousands of years, and they have adapted to the challenges of the environment. The Sahtu Dene are determined to preserve their culture and way of life, and they are working to find solutions to the challenges they face.

Future

The future of the Arctic Sahtu Dene is uncertain. Climate change and other challenges are threatening their traditional way of life. But the Sahtu Dene are a resilient people, and they are determined to preserve their culture and way of life.

The Sahtu Dene are working to find solutions to the challenges they face. They are working to develop sustainable hunting practices, and they are also working to protect the environment. The Sahtu Dene are also working to promote their culture and way of life, and they are teaching their children about their traditions.

End-of-Earth People: The Arctic Sahtu Dene

by Bern Will Brown

5 out of 5