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Dene Routes,shares heritage through presentations. Join me on this cultural journey!

01/26/2025

A Dene elder once told my eldest sister a story about where our Dad’s Mom comes from, many generations ago.

The elder said that our Granny’s mother’s mother’s mother’s and so on, came from the water.

The story goes like this: A ship, or maybe a shallop, was sailing when the captain brought a mermaid aboard. The mermaid was said to be very beautiful. She could remove her tail and live as a human. She stayed with the captain on the ship, and they had a baby girl. But after some time, the captain started treating her badly. Heartbroken, the mermaid returned to the water, leaving her daughter behind.

That baby girl grew up and she is Granny’s mother’s mother’s mother’s, however many generations ago.

Before my sister told me this story from the elder, I had heard a similar story from another relative. It made me wonder if there’s more to this than just a legend.

Could it be true? Could our family really have a connection to the water and to the mermaids? Or are these stories just old tales, told to explain something mysterious about the past?

Could it really be so?

01/22/2025

I had the privilege of being part of an incredible journey when I met Kevin Clifton at York Factory in 2022,a remote trading post on Hudson Bay that was once at the heart of the British Canadian fur trade. Kevin, famous for his dancing career on Strictly Come Dancing, where he won the series with Stacey Dooley (now his partner in life too), came to investigate a long-standing family rumor of his connection to the First Nations in Canada.

Kevin’s journey uncovered an extraordinary story of his five-times great-grandmother, Matooski (also known as Nancy), one of the very few First Nations women recorded in historical documents. Nancy was a ‘country wife’ to John George McTavish, the head of York Factory, providing crucial local knowledge and skills that enabled the success of the trading post. Her story, and that of her daughter Grace, Kevin’s four-times great-grandmother, is one of immense strength and resilience.

I had the honor of sharing Kevin’s ancestral history with him, showing him a picture of Matooski, and bringing her incredible story to life. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of this deeply personal journey, and I was proud to witness Kevin discover the skilled, courageous women who made up his family tree.

Kevin’s journey, featured on Who Do You Think You Are?, highlights the remarkable history of York Factory and the important role of First Nations women in shaping it. Being part of this experience was truly unforgettable, and I’m grateful to have shared in the telling of a story so close to my own heritage.

01/21/2025

Blending storytelling with flavors, and the Auroras!😊

01/17/2025

Today, I shared my first Taste of Culture with a wonderful group.

It’s a blizzard outside, but we stayed warm indoors with a hot cup of tea and some traditional foods. It felt good to share a little bit of my culture in such a cozy way.

Thank you to everyone who joined me. I feel grateful for this experience and look forward to sharing more in the future.

I’d like to thank Natural Habitat Adventures for their support in making today’s Taste of Culture possible. Your encouragement and partnership mean so much, and it helps me share and celebrate Dene culture with others.

Mahsi cho for walking this path with me. I’m truly grateful!

12/31/2024

As we gather our thoughts on this New Year’s Eve, I want to take a moment to reflect and to share a message from the heart.

Walking on the land has taught me so much. It’s where I find peace, where I feel connected to my ancestors, and where I feel the strength of who we are as a people. The land heals us, it grounds us, and it reminds us that we carry the stories and resilience of those who came before.

As we step into 2025, my wish for each of you is to find those moments of connection—whether it’s with the land, with loved ones, or within yourself. May this year bring healing, strength, and joy to you and your families.

Let’s walk forward together, honoring our past and building a brighter future. Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Happy New Year, and all the best in 2025!

12/29/2024

My First Trip to North River

I used to think I’d never see North River. It felt like it was just too far away and the journey would be too difficult. Still, I often heard people talk about their trips to and from North River, and the idea stayed in my mind.

In the spring of 1990, the late Thomas Clipping accompanied a friend and another man on a ski-doo trip to Arviat, NU. They left Churchill on three snowmobiles but only made it to Arviat on one, as they ran out of fuel for the others. On their way back, they planned to bring enough fuel to return home with all three machines.

I was asked if I wanted to go to North River to meet them on their return trip. I jumped at the chance, feeling both excited and nervous. I wasn’t sure what to expect, still thinking it would be a hard journey.

One of the women coming along coached me on how to dress for the weather and prepare for the trip. The terrain we traveled was unfamiliar to me, and I won’t lie—my first trip was challenging.

When we arrived at North River, we went to my brother’s cabin to wait for Thomas and the others. I remember feeling so happy and proud to finally be there. It felt like only the lucky ones got to see North River.

Inside the cabin, I noticed people had signed their names on the walls. I signed my name too, feeling like I was joining a special group of people who had made the journey.

Thomas and the others arrived safely at the cabin. They had coffee and something to eat before we all traveled back home together.

Today, North River is more than just a destination for me. It is a special place because of the deep history of my people. Being there connects me to the land and reminds me of the resilience and traditions of those who came before us.

Good morning from Des Cha, December 29, 2024

12/28/2024

I’ve shared these stories before, but I feel it’s time to share them again. Thank you for taking the time to read and reflect with me.

As a child, I often heard my parents talk about North River. My mom was born there, and it was something she was very proud of. Whenever she spoke about North River, she spoke with pride and shared stories about growing up, helping her grandparents on the trapline.

When Uncle Peter Yassie visited Churchill, he also talked about North River.

I grew up thinking of North River as a far-off place—an amazing place to be. Later, I would find out by going to North River that it is the place where I feel most at peace.

North River Dec 2024

12/08/2024

We made a purchase.
Our brand-new sled, and I couldn’t be more thrilled! This beauty is going to make exploring the land even more incredible this season. ❄️ From the open tundra to the trails, I can’t wait to use it.

11/27/2024

Addiction Awareness Week

This week, as we observe Addiction Awareness Week, I want to reflect on the impact addiction has had on my life and my journey of healing. Addiction played a significant role in my disconnection from my Dene heritage. Growing up, I witnessed my family and relatives struggle with alcohol addiction. It left a deep mark on my childhood, as I experienced and observed unhealthy, unwanted behaviors that stemmed from these struggles.

I’ve seen firsthand what addiction can do to loved ones—how it can erode relationships, disrupt lives, and create pain that ripples across generations. It’s a reality that many Indigenous families face, often rooted in the broader historical impacts of colonization, residential schools, and systemic disconnection from our identities.

The reality today is even more concerning,addiction is affecting our young people at younger and younger ages. This trend is deeply alarming and highlights the urgency of supporting our youth before they become trapped in cycles of addiction. It’s critical that we create spaces for them to explore their identities, find purpose, and connect to their heritage.

I firmly believe that by reconnecting with our roots—whatever that may look like for each of us—we can heal and find ourselves again. Reclaiming my Dene identity has been a vital part of my journey. It has given me strength, pride, and a sense of belonging that addiction once overshadowed.

Today, I’m proud to say I haven’t had a drop of alcohol in five years. While I wasn’t a heavy drinker, making this choice was part of reclaiming control over my life and reconnecting with who I truly am. My hope is that by sharing my story, others—especially our youth—might feel inspired to take steps toward their own healing journeys.

Addiction doesn’t have to define us or our communities. By embracing our cultures, identities, and the resilience of our peoples, we can break cycles of pain, protect our youth, and move toward a future of wellness and connection.🪶

11/25/2024

Back in October, I shared the story of the loon bag, a piece of history that carried such deep significance. I’m grateful to share an update with you all. I was able to connect with the family connected to this bag, and with great respect, I shared the story with them. My relatives.

In an emotional moment, I gave the honours to the family to open the box that contained the loon bag. Witnessing their connection to this piece of history and culture was truly humbling and reminded me why our stories and belongings hold so much power.

Thank you for following along on this journey. This moment has been a reminder of how storytelling connects us all, across generations and distances.

11/23/2024

When my grandparents moved to Tadoule Lake from across the Churchill River, it marked a huge change for them—and for me. My grandpa couldn’t leave behind his trapping lifestyle; it was all he had ever known. That fall, he returned to Churchill to trap, and I, little Florence, was sent to Tadoule to stay with my granny until his return in December.

It was a strange arrangement. My granny and I didn’t understand each other—she spoke Dene, and I only knew English. On top of that, I didn’t know my Dene heritage or the people I was suddenly surrounded by. I didn’t understand the culture, the language, or the pain the people carried after being forced to relocate to Churchill.

Still, there are memories from that time that I cherish. Granny would take me to gather wood, her steps sure and steady, and teach me to collect old man’s beard to use as fire starter. Those quiet moments in the forest, surrounded by the smell of spruce and the crunch of frost, were peaceful. Anytime I go into a forest today, my first thought is of Granny—her patience, her quiet way of teaching, and the connection she had to the land.

I also remember visiting the Dene Trading Post, watching and listening as workers used the HF radio. They’d order food, talk about the weather, or check in with other communities. It fascinated me—the crackle of the radio, the voices coming from far away.

Though it was a hard time for me, I can’t forget how beautiful Tadoule Lake was back then. The calm lake, the trees, and the resilience of the people left a deep impression. That fall planted something in me—a connection to my heritage that I didn’t yet understand but would carry with me for the rest of my life.

11/16/2024

Polar bear season 2024 is drawing to a close, and as I reflect on the past weeks, I am filled with gratitude. It has been a busy but rewarding time, sharing stories, history, and connection with visitors from all over the world.

Now, as winter settles upon us, it’s time to slow down and find calm, just as Mother Earth does. The trees and the medicines are resting, blanketed by the snow, waiting for their time to awaken again. I too will take this time to pause, to rest, and to reflect on the kind and encouraging words shared by so many throughout this season.

I will rest, knowing that before we realize it, Aurora season will be here, bringing its own kind of beauty and magic to the land. Thank you to everyone who took the time to listen and learn. Your presence and kindness mean more than words can express. I wish you peace and rest as we embrace this season of quiet renewal.

11/12/2024

I first heard the story from my dad years ago, a story about a fire across the Churchill River, near where my grandparents had once lived. After the fire settled, my grandpa, Joe Bighead, would go for walks across that scorched ground and come across artifacts—pieces of a much older world now revealed by the fire.

As time went on, I came across an article in the Manitoba Archaeological Quarterly, and there, I read about that very same fire my Dad had described. The article explained how the blaze had stripped away the bush from the high ground above Seahorse Gully, uncovering artifacts that had been hidden for ages. It noted that local Chipewyan people soon spotted these objects, and the principal collector was named: Joe Bighead, my grandpa. He would make it known in Churchill. By August of 1967,Ron Nash from the Manitoba Museum of Man and Nature had been made aware.
The artifacts, it turned out, were from the Pre-Dorset period, connecting us to a history beyond our own.

This past summer, I was invited to be part of the Connecting Land, Culture, Heritage, and Wellness Research Project led by Linda Larcombe. Together, we walked the west peninsula of the Churchill River, exploring the many archaeological sites that carry the stories of those who came before us. In October, I received another invitation to join the project’s working group in Winnipeg at the University of Manitoba.

When I arrived at the University, we gathered in the Anthropology Laboratory. And there, before me, was the Joe Bighead collection—my grandpa’s artifacts, preserved with care. Holding them in my hands, piece by piece, I felt a wave of emotion knowing that my grandpa had once held these same objects. Through his hands, these pieces had survived, each one carrying the memory of a land and its people.

I asked if I might keep a couple of these artifacts, a way to honor my grandpa’s legacy and the stories he preserved. The University kindly honored my request, allowing me to take some pieces with me. Although these artifacts don’t belong to my people specifically, their discovery and preservation carry deep meaning for me. It’s not just about the artifacts—it’s about recognizing my grandpa’s role, and our people’s connection to this land.

At a later time, I will return these artifacts to the Inuit, so they too can see where their ancestors once lived and understand the journey their people traveled through this land.

This journey, these artifacts, and these new discoveries feel like a path laid out by my ancestors and spirit guides. Each step brings me closer to them and to the strength of our heritage. This is a part of cultural revitalization, honoring those who walked before us and keeping their stories alive for those yet to come.

11/05/2024

On Nov 8, 2024 Indigenous Veterans Day, we honor my Mother’s uncle, Alexander Sandberry, a gunner in the Queen’s Own Rifles. His bravery and sacrifice, like those of so many Indigenous veterans, embody the resilience and warrior spirit of our people. On this day , we remember Uncle Alexander with deep respect, grateful for his courage and the legacy he left for us all.

10/30/2024

I want to share a powerful story of connection and heritage that has touched me deeply.
Earlier this year, I received a message from a woman named Kay, all the way from BC. Decades ago, back in 1976, while working in Churchill, she bought a handmade bag from a young man in Thompson. Crafted with care and skill, this bag—a blend of loon and caribou hide—has grown fragile over the years, its feathers slowly falling out, yet it still carries the essence of its Dene origins.

Kay had heard about what I do with Dene Routes, where I share displays of handicrafts and the stories with visitors to Churchill. Moved by this, she reached out and asked if I might be interested in the bag, which was lovingly crafted by a Dene woman. I was honored and humbled by her offer, and with a heart full of gratitude, I told her I would be honored to accept this sacred piece.

When the bag arrived, surviving its long journey to me, I felt as though it carried not only its own history but the spirit of those who walked before us.
This past summer, in a separate encounter, I heard a story about a woman who had made a loon bag in the ’70s. I can’t explain how these two encounters came together, but I feel blessed by the hand of my ancestors and spirit guides, who seem to be weaving these connections, reminding me of the strength and resilience of our heritage.

Moments like these are humbling, filling me with pride and gratitude.
To receive such gifts of history and spirit is an honor beyond words, a reminder that the past is alive, speaking to us in quiet, powerful ways.
My next step is to reach out to the family of the woman who made this bag to confirm its origins and complete this story. It’s a blessing to walk this path, guided by our ancestors, and to feel their presence as I carry these stories forward with pride and deep respect.

10/26/2024

For too long, others have told the histories of our people. It’s time for us, as First Nations, to take back our stories and tell them through our own voices, our own truth. When I share stories of our people, like the story of Thanadelthur, I no longer share the version I learned from outside perspectives. Instead, I share the story I’ve heard from the Dene – the story that resonates with the voices of my ancestors and reflects the strength and resilience of our people. Telling our own histories is an essential part of reclaiming our identity and ensuring our stories endure as they were meant to be told.

10/06/2024

Arctic Fox Fur Earrings
These earrings are crafted from the soft, dense fur of the Arctic fox, embodying the quiet resilience of life in the north. The fox, known for its resourcefulness in extreme conditions, symbolizes adaptability and survival, traits long revered in Dene culture. Each pair carries the essence of the land, where the vast tundra meets the Arctic winds, making them not just an accessory but a piece of the northern wilderness.

Wolverine Fur Earrings
Wolverine fur, with its thick, frost-resistant quality, is a symbol of endurance in the harshest environments. Known as a fierce and solitary creature, the wolverine represents strength and independence. These earrings capture that spirit, connecting the wearer to the rugged beauty of the land. A creation born from the wilderness, they remind us of the enduring relationship between the people and the animals of the Arctic.

Price in the discription.

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Blending storytelling with flavors, and the Auroras!😊

As we gather our thoughts on this New Year’s Eve, I want to take a moment to reflect and to share a message from the heart. Walking on the land has taught me so much. It’s where I find peace, where I feel connected to my ancestors, and where I feel the strength of who we are as a people. The land heals us, it grounds us, and it reminds us that we carry the stories and resilience of those who came before. As we step into 2025, my wish for each of you is to find those moments of connection—whether it’s with the land, with loved ones, or within yourself. May this year bring healing, strength, and joy to you and your families. Let’s walk forward together, honoring our past and building a brighter future. Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Happy New Year, and all the best in 2025!

I’ve shared these stories before, but I feel it’s time to share them again. Thank you for taking the time to read and reflect with me. As a child, I often heard my parents talk about North River. My mom was born there, and it was something she was very proud of. Whenever she spoke about North River, she spoke with pride and shared stories about growing up, helping her grandparents on the trapline. When Uncle Peter Yassie visited Churchill, he also talked about North River. I grew up thinking of North River as a far-off place—an amazing place to be. Later, I would find out by going to North River that it is the place where I feel most at peace. North River Dec 2024

We made a purchase. Our brand-new sled, and I couldn’t be more thrilled! This beauty is going to make exploring the land even more incredible this season. ❄️ From the open tundra to the trails, I can’t wait to use it. #yukonexpeditionsleds

Taking a moment to appreciate the quiet and slower days before the busy season picks up for Dene Routes. It’s a time to reflect, recharge, and prepare for what’s ahead. I’m grateful for this pause, knowing soon I'll be sharing our rich Dene history and culture with visitors once again. Looking forward to the stories, connections, and experiences to come, but for now, embracing the calm.

Sayisi Dene drummer Brian Sandberry.

June is Indigenous History Month on the calendar, a time to celebrate and honor the rich traditions and contributions of Indigenous peoples. But for me, it’s every day. The history of my Dene ancestors is a living, breathing part of my daily life. As I continue to learn about their stories, wisdom, and resilience, I am committed to passing this invaluable heritage on to my grandchildren. History is important, and the beauty of our cultures is vital. It’s through understanding and sharing our past that we preserve the strength and vibrancy of our identity for future generations. Here is my second Grandson, who is being taught from his Dad, my son.

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