See the Trails of Our Ancestors

https://tlichovirtualtrails.ca/en/

Documentary

See the Trails of Our Ancestors is an immersive and interactive tour of a Tłı̨chǫ ancestral hunting and trade trail that crosses the lands of the Tłı̨chǫ Nation in the Northwest Territories. This significant journey has been digitally re-created using satellite mapping technology, 360-degree panoramas, and drone flyovers. Stories told by Tłı̨chǫ Elders enhance the experience, making this a legacy project that helps to preserve Tłı̨chǫ knowledge and history.

Jonas Nitsiza speaks about the power of ancestral knowledge.

 

Every July, people from the Tłįchǫ region in Canada’s Northwest Territories gather to celebrate the Tłįchǫ Annual Gathering. Part of this annual tradition is the Trails of Our Ancestors Program, a canoe journey that retraces the traditional travel routes to Behchokò, Whatì, Gamètì and Wekweètì, across the sacred lands and waterways of the Tłı̨chǫ. Indigenous youth travel with Elders on the ancestral canoe paths and trails that intersect the Tłı̨chǫ lands. The trips are a way to teach and pass down knowledge. Indigenous history is embedded in the landscape and in place names, which are interpreted by the Elders who have first-hand experience of life on the land.

The Trails of Our Ancestors program came from a need to keep Tłı̨chǫ history alive, but this annual tradition is at risk of being discontinued in its current format. See the Trails of Our Ancestors as a digital preservation project is one of the ways that this vital program can grow and evolve to meet changing times.

A 360° panorama from the centre of a drum dance in Whatì.

Mike Nitsiza talks about his family history of how he got his name.

The project was funded by the Tłı̨chǫ Government and Digital Museums Canada. Commissioned by the Tłı̨chǫ Government Department of Culture and Lands Protection, Helios Design Labs filled the role of web development agency under the requirements of the Digital Museums Canada digital stories stream. Filming was completed by Helios’ frequent collaborators, Artless Collective, based in Yellowknife. Special thanks to John B. Zoe and Mike Nitsiza.

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