Our Language

Northern Tutchone, our traditional language, is rooted in the Athapaskan Dialect and remains a vital part of our culture and identity. In Northern Tutchone, we refer to ourselves as Ts’ach’än Thi, a name derived from our former king salmon fish camp at Victoria Rock, located about 2 km below Fort Selkirk. This name reflects how our heritage is deeply connected to the land and our traditional practices.

We are part of the Northern Tutchone language and cultural grouping, with strong ties to our neighboring First Nations, Nà-Cho Nyák Dun and Little Salmon Carmacks. We also share historic and cultural connections with the Southern Tutchone people to the southwest.

We have our own songs and dances, which reflect our way of life and our stories. We continue to practice our traditions with fish camps, hunting camps, teaching our language at the school, sewing and language classes, cabin building, dancing and singing.