DENE

Dene, also written Dené, is a collective designation for several Indigenous peoples of the Arctic and subarctic regions of Canada and Alaska. In their own languages, many groups identify as Dené, meaning “the people.” Linguistically, the Dene belong to the Northern Athabaskan branch of the Na-Dené language family, sharing historical roots even as their communities maintain distinct cultures and political identities.

Geographically, Dene communities are concentrated in the Northwest Territories and Yukon, with smaller populations in northern British Columbia and Alberta; some Dene peoples also live in Alaska. Major Dene groups include the Chipewyan (Dene Suline), the North and South Slavey, the Gwich’in, and the Hän. Each group has its own language or dialect and cultural traditions.

Language and culture: Dene languages constitute a set of Northern Athabaskan languages, many of which are endangered or undergoing revitalization efforts. Across communities, traditional practices include hunting, trapping, fishing, and gathering, as well as crafts such as beadwork and carving, and ceremonial music and storytelling. Social organization varies by community, with band councils, tribal or regional associations, and the Dene Nation serving as political bodies in different contexts.

History and contemporary status: The Dene have long-established networks for trade and seasonal movement across inland and coastal areas. The arrival of Europeans and later Canadian and American governments affected land use and governance. Today, Dene communities pursue language preservation, land claims, and self-government within the Canadian constitutional framework, while maintaining distinct cultural identities.