Vuntut National Park of Canada
History
Old canoe once used while trapping or hunting muskrat © Parks Canada
Dedicated to wilderness preservation and to fostering the Vuntut Gwitchin traditional way of life, the park is developing a unique character based on conservation and preservation principles as well as the Vuntut Gwitchin's desire to share their natural and cultural heritage with others. The area of the park has been occupied by the Vuntut Gwitchin for centuries. Although no communities or year-round homes are found within the park boundary, the land and its resources are continuously used during the seasonal pursuit of traditional activities by the Vuntut Gwitchin.
Small group of mature caribou with antlers traveling across a grassy slope © Parks Canada
The Vuntut Gwitchin have utilized a wide variety of plants and animals for food, clothing, shelter, tools and weapons. In keeping with their traditions, the Vuntut Gwitchin have been guaranteed the right to continue their subsistence harvest activities within the national park boundaries. Beneficiaries of the Vuntut Gwitchin Land Claim Agreement have the right to trap and hunt in the park. Harvesting of Porcupine Caribou always has been and still is of central importance to the Vuntut Gwitchin.
Vuntut Gwitchin citizens observing the remains of a Caribou Fence
© Parks Canada
Caribou Fences
The main method for large-scale caribou hunting involved the use of a surround or fence, where the animals were caught in snares or speared. Under favourable conditions, a group hunt using a caribou fence could produce a large harvest for the Vuntut Gwitchin, surpassing even the salmon harvest on rivers in their traditional territory. At least 46 caribou fences have been identified in Alaska, Yukon and Northwest Territories; seven exist within Vuntut National Park and represent important heritage sites.
Experience Caribou Fences
Caribou Fences Interactive © Parks Canada
Immerse yourself in the world of the Vuntut Gwitchin and see for yourself how caribou fences were used -- try a 3D fly through, listen to elders’ stories, learn Gwich'in words for caribou, and see photos of the remains of caribou fences today. Visit the interactive website.