Liard River First Nation

Introduction:

The Liard River Nation is 1 of 5 members of the the Kaska Nation (or the Kaska Dena people).

Despite being divided into 5 groups, the Kaska consider themselves one nation.

Language: Kaska; an Athabascan language

Location: Watson Lake, Yukon and Lower Post, BC

Territory: Southeastern Yukon and Northern BC

Population: approx. 1,400 members

Political Structure:

The local band, which consisted of an extended family with a male leader, was the most important unit of Kaska society.

Most Kaska people belonged to one of two kinship groups or clans - Wolf and Raven.

Now Kaska bands are governed by the Indian Act. In addition to the hereditary chief of a nation, each Kaska nation has an elected chief and council.

Kaska hunting camp, cira 1940

Pre Contact Life

Kaska Dena people traded and married Tlingit (kling-kit) and Tahltan (tall-ten) people.

Kaska Dena people would migrate within their territory to hunt and would move from camp to camp in small groups of families. Everything would be carried in packs on their back or on dogs.

They lived in tents, sod houses, or tepees made from poles and brush which could be easily deconstructed and reconstructed when moving.

They primarily hunted caribou, moose, and mountain sheep. Berries and whitefish would also make up their diets.

History; Colonialism

Contact with colonists began in the 1820's starting with the development of a Hudson's Bay post on the Liard River followed by increased settlements of miners and freelancing traders and trappers.

In 1876, a trading post was set up at Lower Post. There were also trading posts at Frances Lake.

Most of Kaska Dena trading would take place at McDame Post or Lower Post.

Kaska Dena people would only visit a trading post once a year as they already established an ecnomy of their own by trading with their Native neighbours.

The Watson Lake area was one of the first to be hit by the construction of the Alaska Highway.

Kaska were employed as guides to show planners the quickest routes to built the highway.

Some lakes are still being impacted by dump sites along the highway path today.

Residential Schools

Kaska people were deeply affected by residential schools.

17 miles from the home of the Liard First Nations, a residential school was established at Lower Post.

As of June 30th, 2021, a cermonial demolition was held.

Spiritual Beliefs

Kaska people believe in an all-powerful Creator figure known as Denetia, meaning "good person".

They also believed in spritual entities that bring good or bad omens.

Spiritual leaders known as shaman would guide Kaska people on their spirital, emotional, and physical wellbeing.

Land is very sacred to Kaska and is not seen as "owned" by the Kaska, but the Kaska has been given stewardship by the Creator.

The elements of water, fire, air, and earth are believed to have unique properties and healing powers.

Kaska people were taught that "there is a reason for everything" and that spiritual life includes a very real sense of being "guided or touched by spirit". Animals are also seen as having special gifts.

Art

Kaska art includes beadwork, stone and wood carvings, and carved masks made from materials from the land around them such as caribou skin, moose horn, and birch tree.

Kaska art takes inspiration from the mountains, rivers, and forests or their homes.

Clothing

Moose hides were commonly used to make clothing.

Kaska women wore long dresses as modesty was highly valued.

Ceremonies & Events

Potlatches were used to celebrate marriages and special events, or funerals and naming ceremonies to celebrate death and birth.

It is part of potlach tradition to offer gifts and it is seen as disrespectful to say no.

Works Cited:

“Our History.” Kaska Dena Council, 27 Apr. 2021, <www.kaskadenacouncil.com/our-history/.>

Liard First Nation, <www.liardfirstnation.ca/new-history/.>

Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. “Liard First Nation.” Province of British Columbia, 25 May 2022, <www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/natural-resource-stewardship/consulting-with-first-nations/first-nations-negotiations/first-nations-a-z-listing/liard-first-nation.>

“Kaska Dena.” The Canadian Encyclopedia, <www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/kaska.>

Pronunciation Guide. Province of British Columbia, <www.bced.gov.bc.ca/irp/pdfs/resdocs/bcfns/bcfns_pronoun.pdf.>

Yukon First Nation Cultural Orientation and Protocols Toolkit. Published for Council of Yukon First Nations, 2010.