Dogrib

Dogrib refers to a Dene people of the Northwest Territories, Canada, and to the language they traditionally spoke. The people identify themselves as Tłı̨chǫ, and the language is called Tłı̨chǫ Yatıì (often historically referred to in English as Dogrib). The language belongs to the Northern Athabaskan branch of the Na-Dene language family and is closely related to other Dene languages such as Slavey.

Traditionally, the Dogrib inhabited the region around Great Slave Lake and the upper Mackenzie River. They practiced a hunter-gatherer and trapping-based economy, with seasonal settlements and extensive trade networks. In the modern era they are represented by the four main communities of the Tłı̨chǫ region: Behchokǫ̀ (Rae-Edzo), Whatì, Gamèti, and Wekweètì. In 2003 the Tłı̨chǫ Agreement led to self-government and a land-claims settlement, formalized in 2005, and the creation of the Tłı̨chǫ Government.

The Dogrib language remains spoken but is considered endangered. Revitalization efforts include community-based language programs, schools offering immersion and instruction in Tłı̨chǫ Yatıì, and the development of dictionaries and standard orthographies. The language emphasizes complex verb morphology and a rich system of verb classes, typical of Northern Athabaskan languages.

Today, the Dogrib/Tłı̨chǫ people maintain cultural traditions such as beadwork, oral storytelling and ceremony, while participating in the broader governance and economy of the Northwest Territories.