Saoyú-ʔehdacho, Sacred nature reserve and cultural heritage site near Great Bear Lake, Northwest Territories, Canada.
Saoyú-ʔehdacho is a protected nature reserve in the Northwest Territories where two peninsulas extend into Great Bear Lake. The site covers nearly 5,600 square kilometers of terrain featuring raised beaches, countless water bodies, and forests that stretch across the landscape.
The site shows evidence of human presence spanning more than 5,000 years, and it received designation as a National Historic Site in 1997. This recognition reflects the enduring connection between Dene peoples and this landscape.
The Sahtúgot'ı̨nę people maintain living traditions through the Denecho Knowledge Centre, where exhibits showcase Dene culture and stories connected to animals. The place reflects a deep bond between the community and the land that has been nurtured across generations.
The reserve is open year-round and welcomes visitors for camping, paddling, snowshoeing, and hiking activities. Plan for remote conditions and cold weather, especially during winter months when the landscape transforms.
Parks Canada and the Déline First Nation jointly manage this protected area, making it the first National Historic Site with Aboriginal co-management in Canada. This partnership ensures the local community has an active voice in how the place is maintained and shared.
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