NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: Inuvialuit Settlement Region

Tags: heritage, traditional knowledge, resource management, cultural sustainability, oral history, Gwich'in, traditional activities, cultural awareness

Objective(s): The purpose of the study is to examine the question of how the Gwich'in define heritage and how they wish to preserve and foster an appreciation of heritage in a way that reflects their own worldview. One issue to be addressed is that of heritage resources. Heritage resources represent a very important aspect of Gwich'in culture and the Gwich'in are recognized in their land claim as co-managers of their heritage resources in the NWT and owners and managers of these resources in the Yukon. The definition of heritage resources needs to be re-examined and that the values and principles underlying Gwich'in heritage and heritage management need to be clarified. This study will address these issues over the next 2 years. The specific objectives are: 1) to gather information about the values and principles surrounding Gwich'in heritage and how the Gwich'in define heritage and heritage resources; 2) to develop an appropriate terminology to talk about heritage matters that reflects the values of the Gwich'in; and 3) to define what, for the Gwich'in , seem to be appropriate ways to protect, promote and maintain an appreciation of their cultural heritage.

Project Description: The purpose of the study is to examine the question of how the Gwich'in define heritage and how they wish to preserve and foster an appreciation of heritage in a way that reflects their own worldview. The fieldwork will include three different components; 1) a group meeting with Teetl'it Gwich'in elders; 2) individual interviews with Teetl'it Gwich'in individuals and; 3) the distribution of a written questionnaire and interviews with individuals involved in heritage in both the Gwich'in realm and in government. This part of the study will contribute initial information about the values and principles underpinning Gwich'in heritage, how the Gwich'in define heritage and heritage resources and their concerns regarding the management of their cultural heritage. It will also provide preliminary data about the places and/or objects the Gwich'in consider as cultural heritage resources and what measures they would consider taking regarding these resources. It will help develop objectives and methodology for further research concerning the heritage resources of the Gwich'in. Several Teetl'it Gwich'in individuals will be involved in the project, including 8 elders, at least 16 interviewees and one interpreter who will be hired as an assistant and assist with the interviews. A tape recorder will be used to record individual interviews. A 2-day group meeting with elders will be organized so that group discussions about Teet'it Gwich'in heritage issues may take place. Also be interviewing and distributing a written questionnaire to individuals involved in heritage in both the Gwich'in realm and in government. The informed consent of the interviewees will be obtained. Authorization for use of the information for any purpose will be obtained from the informants. All participants will be given the opportunity to review the documents to ensure information is correct and provide any comments.