Where it started?
I actually don’t know where it started, maybe traveling in the mountains, cooking fish to the fire, hearing an elder share stories, hauling wood to keep our family warm, or having a feeling of something missing - but overall I am ultimately here, a Teetl’it Gwich’in because of My People, family, friends, land, water, vadzaih/caribou… and doing what we can today for our youth tomorrow.
It is said that my people- the Gwich’in people have been on this land from the beginning of time, along with the Vadzaih/Caribou. Who have been walking side by side- taking care of each other from generation to generation, sharing each other’s iidrii/heart. We’ve always been part of the land, and the land is a part of us. That’s why we are called Gwich’in, We are people off the Land.
[Growing up on the banks of Peel Gwinjiik, Peel River and Teetl’it Zheh/Fort McPherson, I was raised by my knowledgeable, strong and beautiful grandparents, jujuu Dorothy and jijii Robert Alexie Sr, and shahan Rosemary and the late shitsii Abraham Koe Snr(Whom I call my mom and dad)
I also want to acknowledge my community for raising me as well. Without their love, support, kindness, respect, patience, passings of knowledge, stories, and bringing me along on many adventures, whether it was out on the land or in leadership, they are part of the reason I am who I am. ]
Ever since I remember (even being a little girl being pulled on sled by my mom checking snares) I have always been out on the land. I remember always imagining we were on big adventures, although we're just on the back lakes from our cabin. It was always fun, but at times challenging.
I always loved going on adventures, and because of that I got to travel to many places, with lots of good and knowledgable people esp, our young leaders, hunters and elders. ‘Out on the land trips’ were my favourite from going to Tloond’ih Culture Camp in grades 5-6 and traveling up Vittrekwa Creek with the late Chief and friend Johnny Kay - to my first trip into the Peel Watershed to paddle the Wind River; where a piece of my heart is, and all the river trips after that. Where it made me realize I can do this, I mean my people have always been doing it, but I can make a career being river guide. like my grandparents once did.
The first time I traveled into the Peel Watershed, we were flying towards the Wind River, and oh my goodnesssss. I was having feelings as I would have when I don’t see my mama/grandma Doris after a long period of time. My heart was pounding, my hands were sweaty and I had a big lump in my throat. Let me tell you about my mama. Sometimes, My Ma would wonder where am, and wonder when I was going to go back home to Ft.McPherson, and visit with her. When I would be walking down to her house, it would feel like i’m going to visit the queen, my queen. She was so special to me and she knew it. So, When we were lining our canoes down a creek that led towards the Wind River, it was like I was getting closer to her.
When we ferried across the river, I looked down the Wind River, and everything around it. It was like a smile and a hug from my ma, I knew I was home and loved. It was as beautiful as seeing my mama, I never in my life seen a place as beautiful as the Wind River and now where a piece of my heart is. It’s a memory I will never forget, and that’s the time when I told myself I'll always come back home.
My ma passed away a couple of years ago now. Even days before she passed, she told me go back on the river. She knew how important it was for me to be on the river esp. in the Peel Watershed. Today, every time I go home I know she’s with me, along with my ancestors.
Dinjii Zhuh Adventures is an opportunity to bring you into beautiful and meaningful places, whether it's in my traditional territory or yours. It makes all the difference, not only to us but our ancestors and future generations.
