Where “Dinjii Zhuh” comes from.

Dinjii Zhuh [Din-gee-zhuu]

The term “Dinjii Zhuh” has been translated many times over the years, mostly by outsiders and people that give frivolous translations that try to pinpoint what the term really means.

In my many years of speaking and listening to elders both past and present of the term, Dinjii Zhuh. I have heard many variations. 

Most recently, I have older people that we find “should” actually know the translation, and are asking for a more poignant translation to pass on to the young people. This is how I've heard and translated the term from what I gathered.

The term “Dinjii Zhuh” refers to a person that is a humble being, who is one with nature and his/hers surroundings. He/She is a person who is not boastful but quiet, someone who listens and contemplates before sharing knowledge. He/She is not to be selfish and is one who shares what he has to those less fortunate. 

He/She is at peace with themselves, and with all that nature has to offer. He/She is always learning and has the mind of a wise person. He/She is someone that follows their heart but, is also careful as to how he speaks to others, especially the elderly. He/She takes care of all that they have, and yet is willing to share. 

He/She is a spiritual person, in balance with all that they invoke around them. He/She is one with their creator and takes care of the land, the animals, the water, and those that depend on it. Beyond all else, He/She is educated in the ways of the land, and respects the laws of the land, the animals, the birds and fish and all which grows thereon. He/She is practical and humbled at the balance of all that he/she encounters. He/She is someone that is respected but does not boast about who he/she is. 

This is what the elders over the past fifty odd years have shared with me and I, in turn share it with you. 

Written by :William G. Firth, Teetl’it Gwich’in of Fort McPherson, NWT