Gwichin

The Gwich'in are an Indigenous people of the Arctic, living in parts of Alaska and northwestern Canada, including the Yukon and the Northwest Territories. They are part of the Athabaskan family of languages, and their own language is called Gwich'in.

The Gwich'in language belongs to the Athabaskan branch of the Na-Dene language family and has several dialects across different communities. It is taught and used in daily life, schools, and cultural programs, with ongoing revitalization efforts to preserve it for future generations.

Traditional Gwich'in territory spans the Porcupine River basin in Yukon and Alaska and the Mackenzie River delta region in the Northwest Territories, extending to coastal areas along the Beaufort Sea. The Porcupine Caribou Herd is central to Gwich'in subsistence, culture, and seasonal movement, shaping many community practices.

Culture and subsistence are rooted in caribou hunting, fishing, and gathering. Seasonal rounds emphasize subsistence activities, sharing of meat and gifts among families, and community cooperation. Traditional crafts include clothing made from caribou hide, beadwork, drum dancing, and storytelling that preserves history and knowledge about the land.

Political organization and contemporary issues: In Canada, the Gwich'in Tribal Council represents Gwich'in communities in the Northwest Territories and Yukon, while cross-border coordination is facilitated by Gwich'in Council International. In the United States, Gwich'in communities operate through regional and village entities. Current priorities include language revitalization, land and resource rights, and protections for the caribou ecosystem, particularly in relation to oil and gas development and climate change.