Our history is a testament to resilience and the enduring connection to the land. 

We are Dene peoples. As Dene, we have continuously lived on and cared for our lands for centuries, without interruption or imposed restrictions.

While our roots run deep in this land, the arrival of missionaries in 1859 marked a significant chapter in our story. Their presence, along with that of the Grey Nuns, has left a lasting legacy. In 1859 however, Father Zephirin Gascon, an oblate missionary of Mary Immaculate, founded the Fort Liard Mission. The influence of missionaries and the Grey Nuns who resided in the area is still evident today; the original Mission building remains a part of Fort Liard’s history, and the nuns’ impact on arts and crafts is reflected in popular contemporary patterns featuring flowers, birds, and animals.

Today, we face challenges such as environmental changes and economic pressures, but we are implementing programs that support traditional knowledge, language revitalization, and sustainable resource management.