Dettah and N'Dilo

The Weledeh Yellowknives Dene are descendents of a Chipewyan tribe who used weapons and tools made of copper that appeared yellow in colour.  The Weledeh Yellowknives Dene are also descendents of the Dogrib of the area for who were defeated by the Chipewyan tribe in a battle over land. But, the Dogrib Dene re-claimed the area in the 1820s. In 1825 Chief Akaitcho became a peacemaker when, at Mesa Lake, he participated in a famous peace treaty with Dogrib Chief Edzo, ending the long period of hostility and warfare between the Chipewyan and Dogrib.

Dettah was a seasonal fish camp with no permanent residents until Yellowknife became a more established centre. As Yellowknife became the centre of gold mining and gained more services and amenities, the Tlicho people began to settle in Dettah to access the best of both worlds – a traditional bush lifestyle and a short trip to a modern city. As Dettah and Yellowknife grew, many First Nations, particularly the Tlicho and Chipewyan groups, who had settled in Yellowknife moved out to Dettah to retain a more traditional lifestyle. Others moved out to the very north end of Latham Island. Despite being just seconds outside the city, Ndilo grew to be close, tight-knit and permanent. It is now known as home to the Yellowknives Dene First Nation. 

Links:

• Official Tlicho Website