Thanking her elders
Janelle Nitsiza recognizes grandparents while accepting youth heritage award
Elaine Anselmi
Northern News Services
Published Monday, November 10, 2014
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
While the youth heritage award from the Minister's Culture and Heritage Circle was presented to Janelle Nitsiza, it was her grandparents that she said deserve the recognition.
Janelle Nitsiza receives the youth award from Jackson Lafferty, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, as part of the Minister's Culture and Heritage Circle. - Elaine Anselmi/NNSL photo
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"It is because of my grandma and grandpa that I try to share these things, so my generation won't have to struggle and say 'I don't know my culture and language,'" Nitsiza said.
Accepting her award from Education, Culture and Employment Minister Jackson Lafferty, Nitsiza spoke tearfully about losing her grandfather to lung cancer and from then on working to uphold her cultural traditions.
She learned how to sew at seven years old, to dry fish and meat at eight years old and beginning to work with hides at 11 years old.
"I just finished an 18-day canoe trip to the Barren Lands and it's because of my grandma. She taught me everything I know," said Nitsiza.
The 21-year-old works with youth in her community of Whati to uphold Tlicho traditions that were passed on to her by elders. She practices traditional skills in her daily life and is involved in various cultural projects.
For the past four years, Nitsiza has worked with the Tlicho Imbee program in the summers, this past year as the senior assistant manager. The program teaches Tlicho youth skills such as first aid, firearm safety and GPS mapping, as well as traditional courses in paddle-making and sewing.
Nitsiza has been involved with the program since its inception and said she was motivated to be a part of Imbee to promote traditional learning among other young people.
"I see my peers out there and not all of them are as involved in learning about their cultures. They don't take the time to learn or they don't have the resources to learn," said Nitsiza.
"I was fortunate enough to be raised by my grandmother. That eagerness to learn was instilled in me by my grandparents."
Honourees awarded for dedication to heritage
As well as Youth honouree Janelle Nitsiza, four others were recognized at the Minster's Culture and Heritage Circle for their efforts to keep traditions and heritage alive in the Northwest Territories.
Individual award: Rene Fumoleau
Renee Fumoleau was born in France, but has lived in the North for more than 50 years, working as a photographer, writer and priest. He has been recognized for his historical account of native treaties in Canada, As Long as This Land Shall Last.
He has also written two collections of stories on his experiences living among the Dene Nation, and published a photo book, Denendeh: A Dene Celebration.
"When I came here, of course, I didn't know anything about the Dene, their language or traditions, but they were very good teachers and I leaned a lot from them," said Fumoleau, who has settled down in Lutsel K'e after years of moving around the territory.
Elder award: Camilla Tutcho
Camilla Tutcho has contributed to the culture of her community by teaching sewing, tanning of hides, and sharing the Dene way of life.
"I was in a residential school for a few years and I lost my culture and my language," said Tutcho. "I went home and my great grandmother was still alive and she gave me back my culture and language."
At 70 years old, Tutcho said she now shares her traditions with young and old, never saying 'no' to an opportunity to share Dene culture.
Group award: Foster Family Coalition of the NWT
Formed in 2002, the Foster Family Coalition of the Northwest Territories is a resource for foster and adoptive families in all communities.
A highlight of the coalition is Camp Connections, a cultural camp for children and youth who have been involved with social services.
From Aboriginal craftspeople to musicians, the camp aims to share and promote cultural traditions among their young clientele.
Minister's Choice award: Deninu K'ue First Nation
Located in Fort Resolution, Deninu K'ue is the oldest documented community in the territory, and played a significant role in the Northern fur trade.
Every summer, the First Nation sponsors a cultural camp to promote heritage, language and upholding the culture of the nation.
The week-long camp offers activities such as making drying meat, beading, handgames and drumming, while also promoting health and wellness in the community.
