TSIIGEHTCHIC CHARTERED COMMUNITY
Tsiigehtchic which translates in the Gwich’in language as “at the mouth of the iron river” was formerly known as Arctic Red River. The name may refer to the iron or mineral deposit found in the soil further up the Arctic Red. The first town site known as Teetshik gogha’ (“a bundle of creeks”) was situated about seven miles down stream on the east shore of the Mackenzie River (or Nagwichoonjik which means “a water flows through a big country”). The town was later relocated in the mid-1800s because the present location provided a better harbour for boats in the summer.
In its hay day and up to the mid-1900s, the Flats area below Tsiigehtchic used to be a traditional summer fish camp. After spending all winter travelling around up the Arctic Red River or up the Mackenzie River areas to fish, hunt, or trap, the Gwichya Gwich’in traveled to Tsiigehtchic in the late spring. It was on the flats where people, friends and families gathered for one week to visit, feat, drum and tea dance, and stick gamble. Afterwards, the people went to the many fishing spots along the Mackenzie River to make their winter’s supply of dry fish for themselves and their dogs. Some people stayed and fished on the flats. Later in the early fall, the people went back to their separate winters camps and areas again.
Today the picturesque community of Tsiigehtchic sits on the east shore of the Arctic Red River where it flows into the Mackenzie River. The population of Tsiigehtchic is about 200 people which is made up of an interesting mix of nationalities which includes Gwichyah and Teetl’it Gwich’in, Metis, Slavey, Inuvialuit, French-Canadians, southern Canadian, Englishmen, and Israeli people.
The red roof of the Roman Catholic church, which sits on a hill,is the first sight that visitors will see as they drive in on the Dempster Highway or travel in in their boats, kayaks or canoes on the river. On any warm sunny summer day, someone will be seen sitting on a bench that overlooks the two rivers, relaxing and enjoying the scenery. Below on the beach, children can be seen or heard swimming in the shallow waters of the Arctic Red River.
Today, Tsiigehtchic still has hunters, trappers, and people who fish. Women skilled in sewing still produce clothing for their families or make items for sale. Some people prepare traditional foods like dried meat, fish and meat pemmican. The people still depend on the land for moose, caribou, beaver, ducks and fish for their food. A few families spend time on the land during the different seasons of the year. Tsiigehtchic is well known for its dry fish made from Mackenzie River broad whitefish. In the fall, people set their nets under the river ice for their winter supply of whitefish, crooked back, and coney which they will consume as food or use for dog feed.
The community has a store that sell food items, dry goods, gasoline, and a cup of coffee or tea which you can sip in a smoke free area. There is also a room to rent, a post office and a pay phone in the store. Travelers are welcome to pitch their tents or park their vehicles on the flats or beach by the river (sorry, no water/sewer or electrical hook up at the moment). The community people are friendly so they will stop to chat with visitors for a while. There is a Bed and Breakfast in the community and also Dinah's Diner, a fast food joint.
After a long winter, the community holds a winter carnival in March which includes skidoo and dogteam races. In the summer, canoe races are held on the river in August. These events which are open to everyone also includes a community feast and traditional drum dancing. A ferry service operates on the Mackenzie River, from 0900-0100, from late May to late October. A wide winter ice road crosses the Mackenzie River and an access road is built to Tsiigehtchic from early December until early April. The Gwich’in Social and Cultural Institute has oral history publications for sale at their head office which is located here.
For information regarding the Gwichya Gwich'in Council please contact 867-953-3201.
Information prepared by Douglas Kendo and Alestine Andre.
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