Saoyú-ʔehdacho National Historic Site
In 2009, two peninsulas bordering on Great Bear Lake, an area of 5,565 km2 (or approximately the size of Prince Edward Island) were permanently protected as Saoyú-ʔehdacho National Historic Site. This site protects a cultural landscape of great importance to the people of Great Bear Lake (Sahtu). Saoyú-ʔehdacho is the first northern cultural landscape protected as a national historic site and co-operatively managed by Parks Canada and an Aboriginal group.
The Elders’ vision for Saoyú-ʔehdacho is one of continued teaching and healing, a place that forever helps to sustain the culture and well-being of the people.
“Saoyú-ʔehdacho is an important cultural and spiritual area and the land is alive with the stories of our people. Without the land, the stories die. Full protection of this land ensures that these stories can forever enrich our people and be shared with all Canadians.”
Chief Raymond Tutcho, Déline First Nation
Saoyú-ʔehdacho National Historic Site in the Northwest Territories
© Parks Canada