ACHO DENE KOE FIRST NATION

An Indigenous government, also known as a First Nation, is located north of the 60th parallel in Canada, within the Mackenzie Valley region of the Northwest Territories. Its history is interconnected with the broader experiences of Indigenous peoples in Canada, including their relationship with the land, cultural traditions, and the impacts of colonization.

The Traditional Territory encompasses parts of British Columbia, the Yukon Territory, and the Northwest Territories.

Our First Nation is involved in three separate negotiations related to modern agreements, land claims, and treaties with the Governments of Canada, Northwest Territories, Yukon, and British Columbia. The ongoing negotiations address land rights, self-governance, and resource management. Finally, Acho Dene Koe First Nation is a signatory to Treaty 11 and a member of the Dehcho First Nations and signatory to the Northwest Territories Devolution Agreement and is a member government to the Northwest Territories Intergovernmental Council.

Currently, the registered population numbers 715 members, with 164 residing outside the Traditional Territory. 

History

Our history is a testament to resilience and the enduring connection to the land.

We are Dene peoples. As Dene, we have continuously lived on and cared for our lands for centuries, without interruption or imposed restrictions.
While our roots run deep in this land, the arrival of missionaries in 1859 marked a significant chapter in our story. Their presence, along with that of the Grey Nuns, has left a lasting legacy. In 1859 however, Father Zephirin Gascon, an oblate missionary of Mary Immaculate, founded the Fort Liard Mission. The influence of missionaries and the Grey Nuns who resided in the area is still evident today; the original Mission building remains a part of Fort Liard’s history, and the nuns’ impact on arts and crafts is reflected in popular contemporary patterns featuring flowers, birds, and animals.
Today, we face challenges such as environmental changes and economic pressures, but we are implementing programs that support traditional knowledge, language revitalization, and sustainable resource management.

Pre-Colonial Period

Before the Europeans or Settlers arrived, for centuries, we lived a nomadic lifestyle, relying on the land for sustenance. We engaged in hunting, fishing, and gathering, and our way of life was closely linked to the seasonal cycles of the land.
To this day, we engage in hunting, trapping, fishing, and gathering for food, social, cultural, and trading purposes throughout our Traditional Territory, maintaining the practices of our ancestors.
These practices continue to shape our identity and strengthen our bonds within the community, ensuring that our heritage is passed down through generations.

What’s in Our Name

Our people, the people of Acho Dene Koe, or our Indigenous government has been referred to by various names, with the most known being Liard or the Fort Liard Band, referencing the Hudson Bay Company fort situated in the centre of Acho Dene Koe territory.

The Hudson’s Bay Company and the Northwest Company explored the territory in the 1770s and 1780s and established fur trade posts.
The Hudson’s Bay Company merged with the Northwest Company in 1821 and the Northwest Territories entered Confederation after Canada’s purchase of the Rupert’s Land and the North-Western Territory from the financially struggling Hudson’s Bay Company in 1870. These vast areas extended west to British Columbia and north to the Arctic Ocean. They included the land that would become Saskatchewan, Alberta, Yukon, and Nunavut, as well as the northern extents of Ontario and Québec.

European Contact and Colonization

Immediately following the establishment of our historical fur post, more European explorers and traders arrived in the region. The 18th and 19th centuries marked a significant turning point for our people and other Indigenous groups.
While the furs trade brought new economic opportunities it also introduced challenges, including the spread of diseases to which our Indigenous peoples had no immunity and the establishment of trading posts and the involvement of companies such as the Hudson’s Bay Company altered our traditional trade routes and relationships.

Impacts of Colonialization

Historically you will find that the experiences of our ancestors, the Acho Dene Koe people, are like those of other First Nations in Canada, in particular, indigenous Peoples of North America have faced historical trauma, governmental distrust, and catastrophic losses due to systematic European colonization.
The steady arrival of colonizers brought waves of infectious disease epidemics to Indigenous communities. Documented atrocities such as the distribution of smallpox-infected blankets, medical experimentation, and forced sterilization have contributed to ongoing mistrust, intergenerational trauma, and historical trauma. The Acho Dene Koe community was not exempt from these impacts.
Additionally, our ancestor, the Acho Dene Koe people were profoundly affected by Indian residential and boarding schools, which left emotional, cultural, and physical scars that persist in First Nation communities today. Despite this, the Acho Dene Koe people have demonstrated resilience.
While these traumas have left deep scars, they have also shaped our community’s strength and determination.
In more recent times, our history mirrors the changes experienced by other First Nation in northern Canada following the signing of Treaty 11 and the influx of resource seekers, including traders, miners, and more recently, oil and gas developers.

Today, the leadership of the Acho Dene Koe First Nation is dedicated to preserving our history, our culture, and our traditional practices even in response to increased industrial development in our territory. Community-led language revitalization programs, cultural camps, and traditional knowledge sharing are just a few ways the Acho Dene Koe people continue to honor our heritage. Our members continue to use and occupy our Traditional Territory, engaging in hunting, trapping, fishing, and gathering for food, social, cultural, and trading purposes, just as their ancestors did.

Our Community

Oral evidence within the Acho Dene Koe community indicates that the primary settlement was originally in what is now the Province of British Columbia but was relocated at least three times before establishing its current location in the Northwest Territories. Historical accounts suggest that each relocation was necessitated by infectious disease outbreaks introduced by European settlers. The present Fort Liard, also known as Echaot’l Koe, is a hamlet located in the Dehcho Region of the Northwest Territories, Canada. The name Echaot’l Koe translates to “people from the land of the giants” in English. Fort Liard is situated 37 km (23 mi) north of the British Columbia border and became accessible by road in 1984 with the completion of the Liard Highway (Northwest Territories Highway 7 and British Columbia Highway 77). 

The Hamlet of Fort Liard currently serves as the centre of commerce, trade, and education for the Acho Dene Koe First Nation. Presently, two governments coexist in the community—the municipal government (Hamlet of Fort Liard) and the First Nation (Acho Dene Koe First Nation)—each providing programs and services under their respective mandates.

There are two general merchandise stores and a gas station with a restaurant. The community has one school, “Echo Dene School,” which serves students from kindergarten through grade 12. Additionally, there is a community health centre, a Royal Canadian Mounted Police detachment, and a recreational complex that includes a swimming pool, skating rink, youth centre, and multi-court. A traditional craft store selling locally made items, a gathering place for youth, and a First Nation cultural Arbor for hosting culturally significant events are also present.

In recent times, the history of the Acho Dene Koe community mirrors the changes experienced in northern Canada following the signing of Treaty 11 and the influx of resource seekers, including traders, miners, and more recently, oil and gas developers. Today, the leadership of the Acho Dene Koe First Nation is dedicated to preserving our history, our culture, and our traditional practices even in response to increased industrial development in our territory. The members of Acho Dene Koe continue to use and occupy our Traditional Territory, engaging in hunting, trapping, fishing, and gathering for food, social, cultural, and trading purposes, just as their ancestors did.

Treaty 11: The Understanding the Significance of Signing

Our First Nation coexists peacefully with settlers in Northwest Territories, British Columbia, and Yukon. As signatories of Treaty Eleven, we recognize its significance.
Signed in 1921, Treaty Eleven was a peace agreement between First Nations and the Canadian government during Canada’s expansion. Key tribes involved were the Dene, Gwich’in, Tlicho, and Sahtu. The treaty followed the discovery of oil and gas in the Mackenzie region but had rushed negotiations and incomplete terms, leading to disputes over land claims and reserves.
Treaty Eleven, covering 620,000 square kilometers for nearly 3,400 people, offered money, supplies, and guarantees in exchange for land. However, its vague terms caused confusion, particularly around agriculture and education.
The treaty promised reserves, hunting, fishing, and trapping rights, financial payments, clothing, medals, flags, schools, agricultural tools, and hunting and fishing equipment. Despite this, many oral promises were omitted from the final document, leading to unmet expectations and unfulfilled promises.
According to the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, many oral promises made during negotiations were not included in the written treaty (RCAP, 1996). The negotiations were hastily organized, aiming to reassure signatories about the treaty’s benefits. Many were unaware of the implications of land surrender.
Canada initiated negotiations with typical symbolism and formalities. Indigenous requests were largely ignored until mineral development threatened the region. Indian agents were sent north, and missionary schools and hospitals received federal funding, but long-term protections for Indigenous communities were lacking.
After the Norman Wells oil strike in 1920, the government’s interest focused on securing land from Indigenous peoples. The predetermined treaty terms were uniformly applied without alterations or oral promises. Convincing Indigenous communities of the treaty’s adequacy proved difficult.
Indigenous leaders signed the treaty based on assurances that have not been demonstrated over time. Canada’s prosperity in the North came at the expense of Indigenous populations.
Chiefs and leaders briefly became politically significant, then returned to obscurity once their utility expired. Treaty Eleven mainly served government interests in securing lands for national mineral development. After signing the treaty, Indigenous leaders were consulted less frequently by government officials, reducing their influence in regional decisions. Economic benefits from resource extraction largely bypassed local communities, contributing to socioeconomic disparities.
Ongoing protests and contemporary land claims negotiations illustrate unresolved issues from the initial treaty. The hasty treaty negotiations addressed Canada’s need to develop the north but neglected adequate consideration for Indigenous rights and entitlements, leading to continuing disputes.
Ultimately as First Nations of the North, it has been said that Chief’s signed because they trusted their [Canada’s] words, but our land and way of life changed forever. The oral histories collected highlight the ongoing concerns about land stewardship.

Symbolic Recognition: Annual Treaty Annuity Day

Each year, the Government of Canada symbolically fulfills its treaty obligations by making annuity payments to individuals registered under the Indian Act who belong to First Nations that are signatories to historic treaties with the Crown.

Acho Dene Koe First Nation annually observes a recognition day to commemorate its relationship with the Government of Canada. On this occasion, each member receives a cash payment from Canadian officials.
This day holds significant meaning as it acknowledges Canada’s ongoing responsibility to honour treaty commitments made to our people. The act of fulfilling these promises is emblematic of the unique relationship between Acho Dene Koe First Nation and the Crown. Likewise, the day underscores the Government of Canada’s commitment to respecting historical obligations and recognizing the important role Indigenous peoples hold within Canada. Individual annuities not collected in a given year will continue to accrue until they are received.

Our Community: Echaot’l Koe

Elders and community members of the Acho Dene Koe have shared through oral histories that the primary settlement was originally in what is now British Columbia, Historical accounts suggest that each relocation was necessitated by infectious disease outbreaks introduced by European settlers. Despite these hardships, the Acho Dene Koe community has maintained our traditions and rebuilt our settlement each time, demonstrating our remarkable resilience and adaptability.

The present Fort Liard, also known as Echaot’l Koe, is a hamlet located in the Dehcho Region of the Northwest Territories, Canada.

The name Echaot’l Koe translates to “people from the land of the giants” in English. This name reflects local legends and highlights the deep connection between the Acho Dene Koe people and our ancestral lands.

Fort Liard is situated 37 km (23 mi) north of the British Columbia border and became accessible by road in 1984 with the completion of the Liard Highway (Northwest Territories Highway 7 and British Columbia Highway 77).

The Hamlet of Fort Liard currently serves as the centre of commerce, trade, and education for the Acho Dene Koe First Nation. Presently, two governments coexist in the community—the municipal government (Hamlet of Fort Liard) and the First Nation (Acho Dene Koe First Nation)—each providing programs and services under their respective mandates.

There are two general merchandise stores and a gas station with a restaurant. The community has one school, “Echo Dene School,” which serves students from kindergarten through grade 12. Additionally, there is a community health centre, a Royal Canadian Mounted Police detachment, and a recreational complex that includes a swimming pool, skating rink, youth centre, and multi-court. A traditional craft store selling locally made items, a gathering place for youth, and a First Nation cultural Arbor for hosting culturally significant events are also present.

News

Stay informed with the latest notices, updates, announcements, and stories. Please visit regularly for new information and insights. 

Events

Celebrate the milestones of Acho Dene Koe First Nation. 

Newsletter

Our newsletters are crafted to ensure you remain well-informed, actively engaged, and connected with the most recent advancements for the First Nation and happenings in our community. 

Band Membership

Acho Dene Koe First Nation is currently recognized as a Section 11 Band under the Indian Act, which means it operates under specific federal regulations. The Nation uses a custom electoral system, allowing it to establish its own rules for leadership selection rather than following the default government process.
Section 11 of the Indian Act establishes the criteria for membership on band lists administered by the Indian Registrar. Inclusion on these lists is determined by an individual’s eligibility for registration as a status Indian under the Indian Act. Individuals registered under the Act who affiliate with a Band whose lists are maintained by the Indian Registrar automatically attain Band membership. The assessment of family ancestry, specifically whether an individual’s parents or grandparents were members or entitled to membership, forms part of the determination process. Consent of the Band is not required for membership.
A “status Indian” refers to an individual recognized by the federal government as an Indian under the Indian Act, while a “Band” is a group of First Nation people for whom land has been set apart and money is held by the Crown. The “Indian Registrar” is the official responsible for maintaining records of registered individuals.
Additionally, individuals recognized as Band members are granted the right to participate in all voting matters related to their respective First Nation.
Further this entitles individuals the right to vote in all matters pertaining to their First Nation.
If you have young children or have recently received a letter from the Registrar of Indian Affairs confirming your reinstatement to Indian Status, please fill out a Membership Application. Once completed, please forward to the Peguis Band Office via mail or email: Further this entitles individuals the right to vote in all matters pertaining to their First Nation.

Further this entitles individuals the right to vote in all matters pertaining to their First Nation.

Update of Membership List

Our Membership List must be updated regularly. From time-to-time Chief and Council have distributed informational material and newsletters in an attempt to keep members informed on current issues.
It is then important that the addresses of all Members list be up to date and accurate. If you, or a member of your family, are a Band Member, and you have not been receiving information, please contact the Registrar at (867) 770-4571 ext.2 or email: registrar@adkfirstnation.ca to have your information updated.
Further this entitles individuals the right to vote in all matters pertaining to their First Nation.

Registration of Child

As of June 8, 2018, Indigenous Service Canada (ISC, previously INAC) has released a new registration form for applying for Registration under the Indian Act.
Please find the Application for Registration on the Indian Register (15 under) and Guarantor Declaration forms to register your child. The parent/guardian is responsible for closely looking over and completing these applications. Please note, without these applications the Membership Office will be unable to register your child.

The Membership Office will also need the original long form birth certificate, which states parentage and a piece of picture ID from the parent/guardian registering the child, which states name, DOB, and has a signature. Once your child is registered the original birth certificate will be returned in the mail as soon as possible.

Please look over the application carefully and complete all necessary information. Most important is your registration/treaty number; it must be the complete number on the application i.e.:269 01234 01. If both parents are on the Birth Certificate, both signatures must be on the application. Once completed, this form can be returned to the Band Office and it will be processed.
If you need any assistance with these applications or have any questions or concerns in regard to this matter please do not hesitate to contact the Registrar at (867) 770-4571 ext.2 or email: registrar@adkfirstnation.ca
DOWNLOAD: Application for Registration (15 under)
DOWNLOAD: Application for Registration (16+)
DOWNLOAD: Guarantor Declaration

Band Transfers

Requirements for Eligibility to Transfer
These are the requirements set out in the Transfer Policy for Acho Dene First Nation.
Failure to provide all required original documents will result in the applicants transfer application being deferred until all necessary information is completed.

ADULT (16+)

  • Completed Band Transfer Statement of Consent
  • Vulnerable Criminal Record Check *(18+)
  • Adult abuse record check *(18+)
  • Child abuse record check *(18+)
  • Waiver and Release form
  • Completed PFN Questionnaire/Band Membership Application
Please note that 16 and over are considered age of majority through Indigenous Service Canada; however, Acho Dene Koe First Nation’s age of majority is 18 and over, so those who are aged 16-17 years old are NOT required to complete the Criminal record check, child abuse check, or adult abuse check.

CHILDREN (15 & under)

  • Completed Band Transfer Statement of Consent
  • Written consent to transfer minor child(ren)
  • Original long-form Birth certificate
  • In the case of legal custody of a Minor Child, all the above and;
  • Written evidence of legal custody of the minor child(ren)

FORMER MEMBER

  • Completed Band Transfer Statement of Consent
  • Vulnerable Criminal Record Check
  • Adult abuse record check
  • Child abuse record check

DOWNLOAD: BAND TRANSFER AND REQUEST AND TRANSFER REQUEST STATEMENT OF CONSENT
DOWNLOAD: ADULT ABUSE REGISTRY CHECK
DOWNLOAD: CHILD ABUSE CHECK
DOWNLOAD: PEGUIS FIRST NATION BAND QUESTIONNAIRE
DOWNLOAD: WAIVER & RELEASE FORM

Indian Status Cards

At present, the Registrar is unable to issue laminated status cards to individuals from Acho Dene Koe First Nation who have confirmed Indian Status from Indigenous Services Canada but have not applied for the new SCIS Status card. If you have submitted your application, please await processing and delivery from Indigenous Services Canada.
Laminated cards will soon be available at the Registrar’s office.
For updates regarding your status card applications or renewals, please contact Indigenous Services Canada at 1-800-567-9604 as processing times may vary.
Appointments with the Registrar can be scheduled Monday-Wednesday, 9:00 am-4:00 pm. Please bring your status card along with one photo ID or two photo IDs if you have lost your card. No photocopies are allowed. Valid identification includes:
  • Old Status Card
  • Birth Certificate
  • Health Card
  • Driver's License
  • Provincial Photo ID Card
  • Firearms License
For name changes, please bring the necessary documentation to the office for faxing to Indigenous Services Canada. Kindly note that drop-in appointments are not accepted, and issuance of cards to non-members may be declined.
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