Calgary (Nov 08/04) - After 20,000 years or so of separation, representatives of many branches of the Dene people were finally reunited in one place last month.

The historic Dene Elder and Youth Gathering was held in Calgary from Oct. 13-15, bringing together nearly 200 Dene from Canada and the U.S.

"It was a great, great meeting of our people," says former Tulita resident Raymond Yakeleya, one of the organizers, who now lives in Edmonton.

Yakeleya believes it is the start of a new relationship among the various branches of the Dene, noting it brought together 12 distinct First Nations.

"There was a real sense of family," he says.

According to legend and oral history, the Dene lived only in the North until about 20,000 years ago when some moved south and eventually populated much of North America.

Yakeleya says that despite the vast amount of time involved, many of the branches of the Dene people share similar stories and legends and even common words.

Along with Dene from the NWT, others came from B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and the United States -- representatives of the Navaho and Apache -- with drummers, singers and dancers.

One of the largest delegations from the NWT was the 20 people from K'atlodeeche First Nation on the Hay River Reserve. The delegation included an elder, 10 youths and the KFN Drummers.

Shirley Lamalice says the gathering was very enlightening and powerful and created an extra sense of pride in being Dene. "It's like awakening your spirit within."

Such gatherings are also important to share information about various concerns, says Lamalice, the KFN's director of education/training, culture and justice.

She says Dene can learn from each other about treaty issues, social and health concerns and the protection of language and culture.

"It's sharing information and supporting each other," she says.

Lamalice is already looking forward to next year's gathering. "It's very important to hold it every year," she said.

"It's uniting the Dene nation. It brings the people together."

She notes the Dene from the United States did not know much about the Northern Dene. However, the southern Dene liked the Northern songs and dances and many would like to visit the North.

KFN youth delegate Cheryl Fabian found the gathering interesting, especially the dances of the Navaho and Apache.

"I learned how to round dance," says the 16-year-old, explaining the southern Dene hold hands as they dance.

Fabian says she would like to return to the gathering next year. "It was really cool."

Former NWT premier Steve Kakfwi and Dene Nation Grand Chief Noeline Villebrun also attended.