Walk to Tuk is definitely about getting physically active and connecting with people in our communities, and across the NWT. But it's about more than that as well, because walking and connecting are about more than exercise. Walking connects us to our culture, our social, spiritual, and physical environments; it gives us time to reflect and engage with the world around us.
This year, Walk to Tuk is partnering with the Dehcho First Nations' Edéhzhíe staff to promote the importance of this important land and all that it represents. We will be featuring the region in news articles, Elders’ stories, interviews, and social media posts to fill you in on their "Walk Edéhzhíe" program coming up right after Walk to Tuk is finished.
“[The Edéhzhíe protection area] is a spiritual place in the NWT that is ecologically and physically unique. Its lands, water and wildlife are integral to the Dehcho Dene culture, language and way of life. It is the first Dene Indigenous Protected Area within Canada,” reads the Dehcho First Nations website.
"This is a newly established protected area that is run and owned by Indigenous people with support from Environment Canada Climate Change, Canadian Wildlife Services, Dehcho First Nations, and the four communities: Wrigley, Fort Simpson, Jean Marie River, Fort Providence", explains Lauren Corneille.
“Our ancestors could walk to Edéhzhíe and back, why not us?” says Ashley Menicoche, Łı́ı́dlı̨́ı̨́ Kų́ę́ Edéhzhíe Community Coordinator.
Written by: Lauren Corneille-Lafferty, Edéhzhíe Staff Administrator Ashley Menicoche, Edéhzhíe Community Coordinator, Łı́ı́dlı̨́ı̨́ Kų́ę́ First Nation Bri Krekoski, Active Communities Director, NWT Recreation and Parks Association