Mike W. Bryant
Northern News Services

NNSL (Aug 30/99) - Four spots in the Sahtu region have been declared areas of special significance.

The designation of Grizzly Bear Mountain and Scented Grass Hills on Great Bear Lake, Deline Fishery and Franklin's Fort as cultural landscapes of national historic significance was warmly received by the people of Deline and the delegation that attended the Aug. 14 ceremony.

The Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada (HSMBC) unveiled plaques and interpretive panels commemorating the sites in the presence of representatives from the federal, territorial, municipal governments and invited guests. The designation was made by Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps on the advice of the HSMBC.

"The designation of the sites represents one more step in officially preserving the stories, myths and legends of the Sahtu Dene for future generations," Copps said. "These sites will ensure that Canadians can learn more about the Sahtu Dene, their history, culture, values and be inspired by them."

Opening the ceremony was a tribute cast by the Deline Dene Drummers and the singing of the national anthem in Dene by the Deline Youth Choir. Commemoration of these areas evoked affectionate speeches from the several local leaders and delegates from the territorial and federal government, including NWT Justice and RWED Minister Stephen Kakfwi, NWT Commissioner Dan Marion and Sahtu Grand Chief Raymond Taniton.

Western Arctic MP Ethel Andrew-Blondin was scheduled to attend the event, but was unable because of a recent death in the family.

"Lord, give us the wisdom so we know the difference between this world and your glory," said local elder Charlie Neyelle in a prayer to the commemoration.

"Jesus, send the power of your love for this country, the governments and the Dene, so we can all share it together."

"Today's commemoration will bring their (the Sahtu) history to Canadians," said Terry Foster of the HSMBC. "The Sahtu Dene's history is rich, some of it written down, but most of it is written in the land."

Grand Chief for the Sahtu Region, Raymond Taniton, said the commemoration and comprehensive land claims agreements achieved by the Sahtu was, in large part, through the help of the elders.

"This was done through the comprehensive land claims agreements," said Taniton. "This transpired through the help of the elders.

"I would like to thank them for their knowledge and their guidance.

"As a Dene people, we were born here, we live here and we want to see this work the best we can. We have a long way to go and with the help of both levels of governments. That's what's happening right now."

The Scented Grass Hills rise to the north of Deline between Keith and Smith Arms and Grizzly Bear Mountain separates Keith and McVicar Arms to the south.

The area has long been used by aboriginal groups such as the Dogrib, Mountain, Hare, Slavey and occasionally Yellowknife and Gwich'in speaking groups. They consolidated as the Sahtu shortly after the arrival of European traders in the early 18th century.

The area is rich in folklore, with stories of ancient giants and animals that roamed the region eons ago. Many of their laws and teachings descended from the legendary folk hero Yamoria.

"It is important for those elders with us, while they are still with us, that they know that we are working hard to protect the land for future generations to use," said Kakfwi.