| The Gwich段n live at the northern edge of Canada痴 boreal forest, making them one of the most northerly Aboriginal people of North America. Their traditional lands extend from the headwaters of the Peel and Arctic Red Rivers upwards to the Mackenzie Delta, and stretch from the Anderson River across to the Richardson Mountains. This rich environment provides for hunting, fishing and trapping which are important economic and cultural activities for the Gwich段n.
The Gwich段n are members of the Athaspaskans people, which includes the Slavey, Dogrib, Han and Tutchone people. The Gwich段n possess a distinct language and way of life. The Gwich段n now live primarily in the communities of Fort McPherson, Tsiigehtichic, Aklavik and Inuvik where their population stands at approximately 2,500 people. Gwich段n from Alaska and Yukon brings the total population to about 5,000 people. |
