Thaidene Nëné is the heart of the homeland and sacred place of the Łutsël K’é Denesoline.

Thaidene Nëné is the heart of the homeland and sacred place of the Łutsël K’é Denesoline.

This is where our ancestors laid down the sacred, ethical and practical foundations of the Denesoline way of life.
The Thaidene Nëné study area begins just outside of the community of Łutsël K’é, Northwest Territories. Perched on the shore of the East Arm of Tu Nedhé (Great Slave Lake), Łutsël K’é is the gateway toThaidene Nëné, and the home of the Łutsël K’é Denesoline. A warm and nurturing community of 350, Łutsël K’é has a small airport and a summer marina, making it accessible year-round. In fact, Thaidene Nëné already hosts more visitors each year than all other Northwest Territories and Nunavut national parks combined.

Ts’akui Theda is a spiritual site in Thaidene Nëné, where our people go for healing and to pray.

"She has told the people that she will always be there to heal, to protect, to guide: as long as we do not disturb her land until the end of time. This is the responsibility passed on to us by our elders. They know our identity and strength come from our relationship with Thaidene Nene."

GLORIA ENZOE
On the story of Ts’akui Theda
This still-intact ecosystem features prime habitat for healthy wildlife populations, including moose, muskoxen, wolves, bear, wolverine, many species of birds and fish, and some of the last free-ranging herds of migratory barren-ground caribou, which are particularly important to us.
The intimate link between ecological and cultural integrity make Thaidene Nëné especially important to protect. Thaidene Nëné is a globally-significant carbon sink, a critical source of subsistence and cultural value, and is home to many beautiful places with special cultural significance to the Łutsël K’é Dene.

Explore a map of Thaidene Nëné annotating the traditional place names of the Łutsël K’é Dene First Nation:

Download the Map

Community

The Łutsël K’é Dene community has been working to make Thaidene Nëné a reality for decades.

Partners

​With world-class fishing and outdoor adventures, Thaidene Nëné is a living legacy for all, where the Łutsël K’é Dene First Nation welcome the world. Join one of our local guides to see the land through the eyes of the people who have lived in this landscape for generations.

CONNECT

VISION

We are the Lutsel K’e Dene First Nation. We’re working with our partners to permanently protect Thaidene Nëné—part of our huge and bountiful homeland around and beyond the East Arm of Tu Nedhé.