Culture

Folk traditions survive in a variety of forms in all Na-Dene groups. All of these groups have active storytellers, some of whom, such as George Blondin – a Slavey from Fort Franklin, Northwest Territories – and the late Angela Sidney – a Tagish from Carcross, Yukon – have written books for the general public. Stories about a mythic time when animals spoke and took on human form are common to the groups, as are stories about monster animals from earlier ages which were destroyed or rendered harmless by various heroes. Historic events of the past often take on mythic qualities as they become part of the oral history of each group. Younger people find the stories fascinating and often visit elders at home or seek out stories in books. Traditions are also shared through the use of video and television. Many Na-Dene communities in the Territories and farther south receive the satellite signal of Television Northern Canada, which offers programming from Whitehorse, Yellowknife, and Iqualuit. Part of the programs from Whitehorse and Yellowknife are in native languages. There is also an international storytelling festival in Whitehorse each summer which features native performers from across the circumpolar north.

The Na-Dene practise many art forms. Skilled craftspeople make clothing with traditional materials such as moosehide, quills, beads, and furs. Haida carvers such as Robert Davidson and Bill Reid have become world-renowned. Reid and his apprentices have completed scores of major works including a depiction of the Haida creation story on display in Vancouver and a Haida war canoe currently exhibited in Paris. Tlingit carvers, including the Tahltan-Tlingit carver Dempsey Bob, have also produced many excellent masks and ceremonial objects. These artists are careful to preserve a link with past traditions, including the stories and beliefs of their ancestors. They often research older pieces in museums around the world but also emphasize the creative aspect of their work. As Dempsey Bob once remarked, “I like to tell people this tradition is not dead. We are still here and our best work, our most creative accomplishments, are still ahead of us.”

Traditional dance groups and groups of singers and drummers perform at potlatches, drum dances, various community events, and for the general public at festivals and sports events. There are also fiddlers in many communities who perform music originally derived from European fur traders. Some Na-Dene perform with rock and roll or country and western bands. Gatherings in contemporary communities may feature a combination of traditional drum music, fiddle music, and contemporary popular music performed by different groups at the same event. Recreational activities such as hand games, also called stick gambling in some areas, are common.

Women are in many cases the organizers of community events. They have also been responsible for the revival of many art forms such as weaving and button-blanket design. Few women have realized the level of commercial success that some male artists have achieved, but this may change as theatre, television, and film-making become more important.