Welcome to Thaidene Nëné!

Thaidene Nëné is the homeland of the Łutsël K’é Dene.
​Our ancestors laid down the sacred, ethical, and practical foundations of the Dënesųłıné way of life.

The living connection between land and people, water and land, forest and tundra makes Thaidene Nëné a national treasure of Canada. This land has nurtured and inspired countless generations of Dënesųłıné. ​For the well-being of future generations, our way of life needs to be exercised, nurtured, and passed on.

 In September 2020, the Łutsël K’é Dene First Nation was honoured with a 2020 Equator Prize from the UN Development Programme.

​What is Thaidene Nëné? 

Thaidene Nëné is an Indigenous protected area that was designated by the Łutsël K’é Dene First Nation using our Dene Law in 2019. In partnership with the Parks Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories, portions of the Thaidene Nëné Indigenous Protected Area have been designated a national park reserve (NPR), a territorial protected area (TPA), and a wildlife conservation area (WCA).

​Where is Thaidene Nëné?

Thaidene Nëné spans 6.5 million acres, or 26,376 square kilometres, at the transition between boreal forest and tundra. It includes the East Arm of Tu Nedhé (Great Slave Lake), the deepest freshwater source in North America, as well as many other lakes and rivers. 

Explore Like a Dene

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

Indigenous Co-Governance

Thaidene Nëné represents a historic partnership between Indigenous and crown governments to protect natural and cultural heritage and foster local economic development. To ensure co-management and sustainable livelihoods for the future, we secured $30 million to be placed in a trust fund.

Latest News

Read the latest developments about Thaidene Nëné reported by the media and the community.
 Our vision is to work with our partners to permanently protect Thaidene Nëné—part of our huge and bountiful homeland around and beyond the East Arm of Tu Nedhé.

CONNECT

VISION

We are the Lutsel K’e Dene First Nation. Our vision for Thaidene Nëné is:
Nuwe néné, nuwe ch'anıé yunedhé xa (Our land, our culture for the future). 

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.