TTHEK'EHDELI/JEAN MARIE RIVER - At the arbour in Jean Marie River last week, elder Jim Thomas told a group of youth that when an elder speaks it's important to hold onto what they're saying.

It may be only after the elder dies that you realize what the message was, said Thomas, a member of West Point First Nation.

Elder Jim Thomas of the West Point First Nation shares teachings at the Nahehcho and Youth Gathering in Jean Marie River on June 20. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

Thomas' message on June 20 illustrated one of the reasons for the Nahehcho and Youth Gathering. The gathering, which is the forerunner to the Dehcho First Nations' annual assembly, brought approximately 30 youth and 12 elders together between June 18 to 21.

The gathering bridges the gap between elders and youth, said Michael Cazon of Fort Simpson, the event's head facilitator.

"The elders' world view and the young people's world view is totally different. You need to find the common ground," Cazon said.

This year's gathering focused on spirituality. To introduce youth to the topic speakers began by examining what life in the Deh Cho was like before contact as well as its effects, including residential schools.

"We need to understand what happened to First Nations people and what brought shame and fear to the communities," Cazon said.

Although there's more awareness now, the legacy of residential schools is still effecting families and communities today, he said. The differences between what the elders experienced and what the youth are experiencing is also one of the gaps between them, said Cazon.

Thee two groups sought to close that gap at the gathering. Other topics included the barriers to being a Dene in today's world.

In the past there were strict codes of conduct and a clear delineation between men and women's roles. Today many women want to do activities from which they were traditionally barred, such as drumming and handgames, said Cazon.

The trick is to find a balance that works for everyone, even the elders who follow the stricter code.

"That's a thing we really struggle with," he said.

The Nahehcho and Youth Gathering is really important, said Cazon. The benefits of the gathering might not be seen right away but it will be worth it if the youth remember even one of the lessons when they grow up, he said.

"Children learn what they live so we have to start teaching them," Cazon said.

During a break on Saturday some of the youth delegates from Fort Providence said they were enjoying the gathering.

"It's pretty cool," said Morgan Geddes.

Geddes, 11, said he liked listening to the elders, including his grandmother Harriet Geddes. Morgan said his grandmother taught him to respect water, the forest, mother nature and elders.

Rochella Sanderson, 13, said the gathering was a good opportunity for youth and elders to meet.

"The elders think all the youth are losing their culture. It's good to speak with them," Sanderson said.