Ehdaa, Łiidlįį Kų́ę́ (Fort Simpson), Northwest Territories

Festive sounds of celebration and solemn whispers of prayers have been heard seasonally at Ehdaa since oral tradition began for the Łiidlįį Kų́ę́ Dene. Ehdaa has been a traditional gathering place for the Dene since long before the arrival of Europeans. In the past, people met annually at this site to trade, decide on harvesting areas, resolve disputes, and participate in ceremonies of healing and thanksgiving. From the fur trade period through the signing of Treaty 11 in 1921 and Pope John Paul II’s visit in 1987, the site remains important to the Łiidlįį Kų́ę́ Dene who affirm their ongoing connection to this place with seasonal celebrations at the Drum Circle.

An inviting, low-lying, open flat land, Ehdaa, is located at the southeastern end of Fort Simpson Island, near the confluence of the Mackenzie (Deh Cho) and Liard (Nácháh Dehé) Rivers. The Dene journeyed there as part of their seasonal travels through their territory, to strengthen and renew social and spiritual ties. Land use was allocated by the Elders, puberty rites were held, marriages were performed, disputes were settled, goods, knowledge, and techniques were traded and games were held. As well, spiritual healing ceremonies, such as the drum dance, were practised.

During the fur trade era, following the establishment of a fort near Ehdaa around the year 1804, the Dene traded with the Europeans and met Hudson's Bay Company representatives, church missionaries, and government officials near this site. The fort was later named Fort Simpson. Today, the annual treaty payments continue to take place at the Drum Circle which is located at the Ehdaa site.

In the 1980s, another layer of significance was added to the site when Pope John Paul II spoke to assembled First Nations, Métis, and Inuit. He recognized past injustices of the Catholic Church against Indigenous Peoples in Canada and stated that the Church supported Indigenous self-determination. Today, three structures still remain from the Pope’s proposed visit in 1984 (cancelled by bad weather) and actual visit in 1987: a 15 metre-high teepee log frame, used as a proscenium during the Pope's visit, a log-frame 38 metre diameter Drum Circle structure, and a concrete podium/monument in the form of a cross, representing the four directions and the four natural elements, which also incorporates three drums and a symbolic beaver lodge.

The connection between the Dene and this culturally significant site remains unbroken. Today, the site still functions as a seasonal gathering place for the Łiidlįį Kų́ę́ Dene where they continue to celebrate spiritual and communal renewal.

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