Language
In Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́, the language we speak is “Dene Zhatıe”. The name Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ means “where the two rivers meet”.
Fun fact: Did you know there are five Dene languages in the Northwest Territories? Learn more about these different languages and where region they come from.
Listen to the Language
To listen to our Elders speaking in Dene Zhatıe, check out these videos that were put together by the youth of Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ Regional High School through Reel Youth.
If you are interested in videos produced by Dehcho First Nation that outline Dene Laws and Elder’s knowledge of different plants and animals explore this page.
To watch the Nahanni River of Forgiveness film, send an email to communications@liidliikue.com for a link to watch it online!
Check out the Dene Zhatie dictionary! It shows many Dene Zhatie words and if you click on it, it will read it out loud for you!
Practice the Language
Download the app “Dehcho Dene Zhatié“ on your phone today to type in the traditional languages! To get it for Android. To download it from Apple.
To add Dene font to your computer you can download it or use the Web Keyboard!
Gudeh: We are speaking Dene Zhatie. Check out the website or download the app on Apple devices now.
Regional Differences
There are five tribal groups of Dene that have evolved into what is now referred to as “Denendeh” which means “the Creator’s Spirit flows through this Land”. These five tribes have evolved their own language and customs and are the:
- Gwich’in in the Mackenzie Delta Region
- North Slavey in the Sahtu Region
- Dene Zhatie in the Dehcho Region
- Chipewyan in the South Slave Region
- Dogrib in the North Slave Region