Kaska Dena

"We are actively involved in cultural revival, teaching our children their history, language, and traditional practices."

 

Ne'āah': The Kaska Dena's Horseranch area

Kaska traditional territory covers a huge area that includes parts of Yukon, British Columbia (B.C.) and Northwest Territories. Land use extended north to the Pelly river watershed, east to the Mackenzie Mountains and south to the Liard River watershed. Traditional camps were found throughout the territory, such as at the mouth of the rancheria River, Frances River, Frances Lake and Yusezyu River.

The Kaska have strong cultural traditions that include storytelling, drumming, carving and beadwork. Kaska communities boast many recognized artist.

Today, Kaska Dena live in modern communities, including Watson Lake, Upper Liard and Ross River in Yukon. They are represented by two First Nations in Yukon, the Liard First Nation at Watson Lake and the Ross River Dena Council at Ross River. The Kaska First Nations in B.C. are the Dease River First Nation at Good Hope Lake, The Daylu Dena Council at Daylu (Lower Post), and the Kwadacha Nation at Fort Ware, north of Prince George.

Kaska Language

Kaska is one of the eight Indigenous languages spoken in Yukon. An Athapaskan language, Kaska is closely related to Tahltan, spoken in B.C., and to Tagish, spoken in Yukon.

Cultural pride is reflected in the use of Kaska for many area place names. Kaska Dena are actively involved language revitalisation efforts to keep the Kaska language strong for the future generations.