From the Dogrib point of view, the landscape is a living entity, filled with
'powers' that can help or harm travellers. As a 1998 article on the Idaa Trail
noted, "...travelling across the landscape one must constantly mitigate the
impact of personal actions by appeasing these entities with votive offerings,
and by observing strict rules of behaviour. For example, at each new water body
encountered en route, offerings are left. In the Dogrib vernacular it is said
that these places, and the entities inhabiting them, are being 'paid'."
Download the article "On Yamozhah's
Trail: Dogrib Sacred Sites and the Anthropology of Travel," in Adobe PDF
format (permission to reproduce this article was provided by the Canadian Circumpolar
Institute)
There are several different types of sacred sites known to the Dogrib (which
were classified into six categories in the above noted article):
1) Goghanai?ii
- "It Tells Us"
These sites are often associated with culture heroes such as Yamozhah,
and are always regarded as powerful. Such sites frequently have rituals linked
to them, and are performed to predict one's fortune.
2) Weyiidii
- "Spirit Animals, Dwelling"
Giant "spirit animals" inhabit these types of sites and are usually thought
to be dangerous. As such, special rituals and offerings are required to appease
the spirits at these places.
3) Nàte K'è
- "Dreaming Places"
A small number of places are known for their dream inducing qualities. According
to Dogrib elders, young men would often visit these places in order to dream
and obtain ik'òò (medicine), which would help the youth become a good
hunter.
4) Kwe Nezi
- "Good Rock"
Some sites are known for the important resources they provide, such as ochre
for decorating, stone for carving tools and pipes, or birch trees for building
canoes and bows. Offerings are always made at these locations.
5) Dòkw'òò
Whetla
- "Graves"
Since the arrival of Christian missionaries, Dogrib graves have been marked
by white picket fences. These sites are considered very sacred and powerful
and have many customs associated with them. Travellers have occasion to communicate
with the buried individuals, and will always stop to clear overgrown brush from
the grave and repair the fence if needed. Offerings are always made at these
places and sometimes a favour, such as good weather or bountiful hunting, is
asked in return.
6) Places of Mythological or Historical Significance
This category is made up of several sites that don't fit neatly into any of
the other categories. These locations include sites of historical importance,
where battles, peace negotiations, or unfortunate events may have taken place.
This category also contains sites regarded as dangerous, but for which the associated
stories have been forgotten.
Source: Thomas Andrews, John Zoe, and Aaron Herter. "On Yamozhah's Trail: Dogrib
Sacred Sites and the Anthropology of Travel." In Sacred Lands: Aboriginal
World Views, Claims, and Conflicts, ed. J. Oakes, R. Riewe & K. Kinew, pp.
305-320. Edmonton: Canadian Circumpolar Institute, University of Alberta, 1998.