Department of Culture & Lands Protection held the 2025 Tłı̨chǫ Ekwǫ̀ Gathering in Behchokǫ̀, NT from May 6-8, 2025.

Applications to attend the Tłı̨chǫ Ekwǫ̀ Gathering were open for Tłı̨chǫ Citizens residing in Behchokǫ̀, Whatì, Gamètì, Wekweètì and Yellowknife until April 22nd 2025. 85 individuals were selected to attend the event.

Tłı̨chǫ Ekwǫ̀ Gathering brought together Tłı̨chǫ Elders, Harvesters and Youth from across the region and Yellowknife. The goal of the event was to bring together knowledge keepers/learners to share expertise and guidance around Ekwǫ̀. Through presentations, open forums, hands-on activities and group discussions, participants were able to engage and learn about the efforts being made for Ekwǫ̀. There were opportunities for participants to ask questions, and knowledge share through discussion and cultural practices.

Many attendees shared a message that our late elders left us with, Tłı̨chǫ Nàowoò, which should be shared with the young harvesters and youth to carry into the future. After 3 days of presentations, and hands-on activities, participants shared recommendations on how we can move forward to build our relationship and better protect Ekwǫ̀. The event ended with an award ceremony in commemoration of the 10th Anniversary of Ekwǫ̀ Nàxoèhdee K’è, a feast and drum dance.

Gathering Highlights

1.  Presentations
   1. Tłı̨chǫ Government Caribou Monitoring Programs
   2. Wekʼèezhìi Renewable Resource Board (WRRB) Management mandate
   3. Caribou Guardians Coalition mandate
   4. GNWT- ECC officers
   5. GNWT- Herd updates
   6. Respecting Caribou
   7. Tłı̨chǫ Caribou Laws
   8. ENK
2. Hands on activities
   1. Working together to prepare caribou meat for feast
   2. Edzawaa Preparation and bag making
   3. How to prepare for a hunt – advice from Elders & Harvesters
   4. Virtual Trails (VR)
   5. Explore the Museum
3. Group Discussions
4. 10th year Celebration of Ekwǫ̀ Nàxoèhdee K’è
5. Men’s Handgames hosted by Behchoko Presence Office & Department of Culture and Lands Protection
6. Celebratory feast & drum dance

Funded by:

• Department of Culture & Lands Protection
  • Research Operations & Training
  • Culture Practices
  • Lands Protection & Renewable Resources
  • Language Revitalization
  • DCLP Administration
• Government of Northwest Territories- ECC Head Quarters
• Government of Northwest Territories- ECC North Slave Office
• Hotıì ts’eeda
• World Wildlife Fund Canada
• Rio Tinto- Diavik Diamond Mines
• Caribou Guardians Coalition
• Wekʼèezhìi Renewable Resource Board

For more information contact:
Janelle Nitsiza,
Research Coordinator, DCLP
PH:  867-444-3113
Email: [email protected]

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Jocelyn Zoe
Field Research Logistical Coordinator, DCLP
PH:  867-688-9894
Email: [email protected]