Impacts of Colonialization
Historically you will find that the experiences of our ancestors, the Acho Dene Koe people, are like those of other First Nations in Canada, in particular, indigenous Peoples of North America have faced historical trauma, governmental distrust, and catastrophic losses due to systematic European colonization.
The steady arrival of colonizers brought waves of infectious disease epidemics to Indigenous communities. Documented atrocities such as the distribution of smallpox-infected blankets, medical experimentation, and forced sterilization have contributed to ongoing mistrust, intergenerational trauma, and historical trauma. The Acho Dene Koe community was not exempt from these impacts.
Additionally, our ancestor, the Acho Dene Koe people were profoundly affected by Indian residential and boarding schools, which left emotional, cultural, and physical scars that persist in First Nation communities today. Despite this, the Acho Dene Koe people have demonstrated resilience.
While these traumas have left deep scars, they have also shaped our community’s strength and determination.
In more recent times, our history mirrors the changes experienced by other First Nation in northern Canada following the signing of Treaty 11 and the influx of resource seekers, including traders, miners, and more recently, oil and gas developers.
Today, the leadership of the Acho Dene Koe First Nation is dedicated to preserving our history, our culture, and our traditional practices even in response to increased industrial development in our territory. Community-led language revitalization programs, cultural camps, and traditional knowledge sharing are just a few ways the Acho Dene Koe people continue to honor our heritage. Our members continue to use and occupy our Traditional Territory, engaging in hunting, trapping, fishing, and gathering for food, social, cultural, and trading purposes, just as their ancestors did.