We Remember the Coming of the White Man chronicles the history of the Sahtú (Mountain Dene) and Gwinch’in People in the extraordinary time of the early 20th century. Chapters are transcripts of oral histories by ten Elders about their recollections of the early days of fur trading, guns, and flu pandemic; dismay about the way oil and uranium discoveries and pipelines were handled on their land; and the emotional and economic fallout of the signing of Treaty 11. Rich with photographs, Elders’ stories are in English and Dene Gwich’in. Bundled with the book is a remastered DVD version of Raymond Yakeleya’s stunning 1978 film We Remember, with director’s commentary. The audiobook, produced by Leanne Goose and read by Dene, Métis, and Inuvialuit narrators, is also due for release soon. For more info, excerpts from the book and film clips, https://durvile.com/books/We_Remember.html

Elizabeth Yakeleya (nee Blondin) a Willow Lake Dene, was born in 1906 in Norman Wells (Tlegohli) and was educated at the convent in Fort Providence (Zhahti Koe). In 1925 she married Johnny Yakeleya and they had twelve children. She is now deceased.

Yakeleya Elizabeth's profile page

Sarah Simon (nee Stewart), Gwich’in, was born in the Delta on the Mackenzie River (Deh Cho) in 1901. She married James Simon, who was later ordained an Anglican minister. Sarah travelled with James to Yukon as a missionary and served her people for many years as a mid-wife, nurse and interpreter. She translated for government officials, doctors and for her Chief, Johnny Kaye. In June 1982 she received the Commissioner’s Award for her service to her people and community. Sarah Simon died in 2001. She was 100 years old.

Simon Sarah's profile page

Sarah Stewart is a writer who lived for many years in the Northwest Territories. She and her husband Bill Stewart were part of Raymond Yakeleya's team on the film We Remember.

Stewart Sarah's profile page

Raymond is an award-winning Dene television producer, director and writer, originally from Tulita in NWT, now residing in Edmonton. His award-winning documentary films including We Remember for CBC and The Last Mooseskin Boat for NFB have screened at festivals around the world.

Yakeleya Raymond's profile page

Colette is Red River Métis and Chair of the Canadian Federation of Library Associations Indigenous Matters Committee. She believes libraries have a duty and the privilege to partner with Indigenous community to preserve and revitalize Indigenous languages.

Poitras Colette's profile page