Organizers are working to bring back a Yellowknives Dene tradition and are hoping to attract more support for it.
Efforts to establish a Xat'o (fall) gathering are gaining steam, with a $150,000 hand games tournament already being planned and many more activities to come.
"We haven't had a really big gathering where we invite the other communities into our traditional lands in quite some time," said organizer Jeff Rosnawski. "We want to promote unity and cultural pride among our community members.
"It's open to anyone interested in partaking."
Fall was historically an important time of celebration for the Yellowknives Dene, but when the residential school system was implemented, the season took on a much more painful tone as it became associated with the memory of children being taken away from their families.
Now, the aim is to take the fall back with celebration at the Wiiliideh site on the Yellowknife River. from Aug. 29 to 31.
"We want to acknowledge that this was the time of year that the Dene youth, who are now Elders, were forcibly taken to residential school, so we want to honour their strength and resilience," Rosnawski said. "It's to provide a safe and inclusive space for healing.
"Fall was the time of year we used to gather on the north shore of the Great Slave Lake and dry our fish and prepare for our travels up north to follow the caribou, so there's a lot of reasons why we decided to choose this location and date."
Aside from a six-figure purse for the top hand games team , there are also plans for a talent show on Saturday, Aug. 30, with traditional drum dances on Friday and Sunday.
Rosnawski said much of the planning is still in the early phases and organizers were seeking more support to help make the event one to remember.
"We still are looking for sponsorship," he said. "If anyone is interested in sponsoring or donating to our event, that would be great.
"It's always good if we don't have to take on the whole financial burden, so we're always looking."
Anyone interested in getting involved should email him at jeff_rosnawski@ykdene.com for more information.
Another aim of the Xat'o gathering is to promote healthy lifestyles, so the celebrations will be alcohol-free.
Plans to bring the fall celebration back have been in the works for some time, but have been repeatedly delayed by major events. Both the Covid-19 pandemic and the 2023 wildfire evacuations put organization efforts on hold, but Rosnawski figures this year will be the one to make it happen.
"It's a good time to come together and celebrate the change of the seasons," he said. "We're going to have areas for people who are coming out of town to camp for the weekend.
"All are welcome."
