The Sahtu Region is one of the most diverse in its landscape. Located west and north of Great Bear Lake, the Sahtu encompasses all the wonders of the NWT – the boreal forest, barrenlands and mountains, as well as the Mackenzie River and Great Bear Lake. Five communities cover this Sahtu Dene and Metis settled land area, where First Nations peoples still speak North Slavey and traditional ways of life are still practiced and preserved.
Like other Dene communities of the NWT, the Sahtu Dene display great artistic ability and traditionally create sewn items from tanned moose hides including moccasins, mukluks, mitts and baby belts. Artists carefully and beautifully decorate these pieces with beadwork and embroidery, and embellish with locally harvested fur. The distinctive colour palette of beautiful cut glass beads identifies beadwork from this region.
The awe-inspiring landscape, wildlife and stories of the region are also captured through paintings, drawings and woodcarvings as well.
Drumming and dancing is a strong part of the Dene culture. The Tulita Dene Drummers are a vibrant and passionate group of Sahtu Dene drummers, who perform regularly around the territory at National Assemblies, and cultural celebrations and festivals. In 2008, they recorded an album that highlighted the songs of one Shutaogotine Chief Yahts'ule, who received 52 spiritual songs to pass along to the people.
Current Regional Updates
Industry, Tourism, and Investment (ITI) Staff in the Sahtu work hard to support local Artisans.
In January ITI Staff hosted an 'Artist Meeting' in Tulita. During the meeting they discussed the launch of the new NWT ARTS Program, and Support for Entrepreneur and Economic Development (SEED) policy funding.
ITI Staff in the Sahtu traveled to Deline, Tulita, Fort Good Hope, and Norman Wells in April to collect images and stories from local Artists for the Content Collection - a marketing project offered to those signed up for the NWT ARTS Program. It also provided an opportunity for the staff to discuss the SEED policy.
ITI Staff in the Sahtu will be working with the Norman Wells Historical Society to host workshops/events all summer long. Stay tuned for more information!
Current Regional Events
National Aboriginal Day - June 21st - Territorial Holiday with events in all communities. Please contact town offices for more details.
Sahtu Day – June 23rd – Regional Holiday with events in all Sahtu communities. In recognition of the signing of the “Sahtu Dene & Metis Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement”, June 23rd, 1993; each community hosts events to celebrate this historical day. Please contact Land Corporations for more details on events.
Norman Wells
Norman Wells Music Festival - Mid August - Hosted at the Town of Norman Wells Recreation Department
Spring Fling Carnival - Late March/Early April - a week-end filled with activities & performances
Fort Good Hope
Rampart Rendezvous - mid July - A fun week-end event that draws 100 people annually!
Deline
Chike Carnival – mid May annually. One week of activities hosted by the Charter Community of Deline. Featured event “Fishing Derby”; catch the largest lake trout & take home a cash prize and bragging rights for the year!
Spiritual Gathering – the week of August 15th annually – hosted by the Deline First Nation. The gathering is focused on spirituality, healing, reviving cultural values, expanding traditional knowledge and teaching values. The week is filled with workshops and cultural activities such as drumming and hand games.