TR’ËHUDÈ

Since the 1600s, much “western” thought has been based on the view that humans are meant to dominate all other beings including the earth itself. Governments and churches promoted this perspective at a time when world exploration and colonialism was growing. Nature is seen as a resource to be exploited and conquered. This way of seeing the world is so pervasive that most people probably aren’t aware that alternatives exist at all.

 

Most Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in citizens share some basic understandings. Primarily we are people of this place, a vast and beautiful area encompassing the rivers, mountains and valleys of our traditional territory. We know that our ancestors have lived here from time immemorial. When we follow their travel routes or pick up a piece of stone that has been worked by human hands thousands of years ago, we feel a deep personal connection to this place, the land and its creatures that have always sustained us. This strong sense of connection extends to our place within our community, our family and our culture.