We, the Denesųłiné, have lived in our traditional territory, Nuhenéné, for millennia.
The land is more than just a breathtaking place; more than a cultural necessity.
We are part of this ecosystem, and it is part of us.
As known first-hand to very few, Nuhenéné is home to extremely beautiful ecological landscapes. Ultimately, northern Saskatchewan is an ecological gem that has yet to be discovered and truly appreciated.
To those who have had the chance to come to northern Saskatchewan and especially to those who live here, the landscape is vast yet incredibly breathtaking. There is a certain feeling of peacefulness and quiet that resonates with you as you experience the natural beauty.
“Like protecting your family, you need to respect the land.”
The Land is a Cultural Necessity
To us, this land (the Athabasca Denesųłiné territory) is referred to as “Nuhenéné.” We are truly fortunate that we continue living our culture by accessing our traditional territory.
Nuhenéné must be protected, the Denesųłiné cannot exist without land, water, and air.
The Denesųłiné have a strong connection to the land, a connection so strong that makes us inseparable. The land, which includes everything, (i.e. the plants, animals, rocks, medicines, spirits, air, etc.) has provided for our ancestors and continues to support us to this day.
The Land & Our Language
Not only do the people and land have a distinct and deep connection, but so do the Denesųłiné language and land.
The language is very descriptive and a valuable resource for culture preservation. Our language uniquely and accurately describes aspects of the land that can only be fully understood through that lens.
All plants, animals, water, rocks and air are important to the Athabasca Denesųłiné.
Every species has a unique role to play in the ecosystem and most everything has been used by the communities for survival and cultural expression. Here are a few that have been identified as critical to a healthy environment and community.
Animals
beaver | moose | caribou
fish (whitefish, lake trout, pickerel, burbot, jack)
Trees
spruce | birch
tamarack | jack pine
Plants
blueberries | labrador tea
spruce gum | rat root
Birds
spruce grouse | Canada geese
ptarmigan | ducks
“Creator provided all to us, all is important to us.”
The natural beauty of Nuhenéné
The silence of the north expresses beauty like no other through its singing aurora borealis, crashing waterfalls and river’s rapids, travelling caribou herds, and ducks’ quacks. For many, experiencing this type of stillness doesn’t happen more than once or twice in a lifetime. For us, it is our every day.
Athabasca Sand Dunes
One feature unique to this region is the remote Athabasca Sand Dunes Provincial Wilderness Park. These vast sand hills are the largest in Canada at 1,925 km2 and are located on the south shore of Lake Athabasca. Some dunes reach 30 meters tall! The sand dunes are home to more than 300 plant species, 42 of which are rare, and 10 others that are found nowhere else in the world!
Local hunters and Elders from Fond du Lac Denesųłiné First Nation say that there is a human-like spirit found within the areas of the dunes. Sometimes when walking in the MacFarlane River area, smoke or fog will come out of nowhere.
A Land of Lakes
Lake Athabasca is Canada’s 8th largest lake with its 2,000 km of shoreline and an area covering almost 8,000 km2. It is just south of the northern Saskatchewan border and crosses west into Alberta. Camsell Portage, Uranium City, Fond du Lac, and Stony Rapids are along its shore.
Wollaston, Cree, Hatchet, Stony (pictured), Tazin, and Scott are all other large lakes in northern Saskatchewan.
Legend has it that before Black Lake Denesųłiné First Nation was settled on the shores of Black Lake, large creatures inhabited the waters. It is said that these large creatures can still sometimes be seen on hot summer days. Black Lake has healthy pickerel and trout populations that sustain the community year round.
Oh, the Boreal Shield
In Saskatchewan, the boreal forest starts unfolding just north of Prince Albert. This transitional zone of trees grow in sandy soil that eventually gives way to the rocky terrain of the boreal shield. The mineral rich stone of the shield is ancient bedrock that remains unchanged from the formation of the planet.
To the people who believe Saskatchewan is flat, this part of the province is a wonderful surprise. The ancient rocky terrain combined with the many lakes and the vast treed landscape is a jaw-dropping ecological gem.
Elizabeth & Hunt Falls
The Elizabeth Falls leave Black Lake on the Fond du Lac River before Woodcock. Elders often speak about the Sacred nature of Elizabeth Falls; that they should be left undisturbed. Respect must always be shown when visiting this beautiful area. Families often gather here in the summer for picnic lunches and swimming.
Though remote, Hunt Falls are large, stunning, and experienced by few. The waterfall is on the Grease River that enters Lake Athabasca, near Stony Rapids. The water drops for 35 meters over 3 kilometers of rocky terrain and lead to a 60 meter wide fall. To get here, you have to travel by float plane.
Keeping a delicate ecosystem balanced
While the area is so unique, it is at risk due to the cumulative impacts on the land and the creeping encroachment of industry and other commercial activities.
Climate Change
While there has always been annual variability in weather patterns, Elders have recognized increased shifts due to climate change. This includes increased frequency of extreme weather events, drier summers, and significant changes in species distribution.
Climate change acts as a threat multiplier, amplifying challenges faced by our communities by:
further threatening sensitive species (e.g. caribou),
compounding the damage caused by wildfires,
& threatening our generational lifestyle of living off the land.
Industry
Nuhenéné is rich in minerals and uranium deposits. In fact, it is the world’s leading source of high-grade uranium. For this reason, there are numerous developed uranium mines and much interest in exploration. These operating mines and advanced exploration sites cause cumulative impacts in Nuhenéné: Road development, trails, cut-lines, work camps, and resulting noise, water and air pollution.
There is desire to build the economy within Nuhenéné by building partnerships and benefit agreements with these industries. However, it must be done with balance and protection of the environment at the forefront.
Indigenous Protected Areas are being developed in the region to meet that balance by protecting the most culturally and environmentally sensitive areas in the region. Read more about them here.
Forest Fires
Though forest fires are a natural disturbance, communities have observed hotter, more frequent, & larger fires in recent years - partly due to climate change.
This said, forest fires are no longer actioned within Nuhenéné unless they are of risk to communities or other property. This lack of active fire protection has seen immense tracts of land burned, leaving no food or shelter for Barren ground caribou and other species that rely on old-growth forests.
Forest fires continue to be a threat for our communities.