utsel K'e Dene celebrate 35 years of annual Spiritual Gathering

Community members in utsel K'e, N.W.T., are making their way to Old Fort Reliance this weekend for the 35th Desnedhe Che Spiritual Gathering, and it's expected to be the largest occurrence of the event in years.

Gloria Enzoe is the gathering coordinator for the Lutsel K'e Kache Dene First Nation. She calls it a "migration" for the community of about 300. About 42 boats are heading to the gathering, and 73 people are joining a charter flight Friday.

Fort Reliance lies near the mouth of the Lockhart River, in the eastern end of Great Slave Lake, and was once the hub of a small community. Enzoe's grandfather used to live there.

Today, you can still find the remains ofchimneys, storage pits and the outlines of log buildings in the earth, according to the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre.

Visitors to the gathering also make a trip to "Tsakui Theda," the Old Lady of the Falls, also known as Parry Falls, who is said to have special healing powers.

"It's really important to the Lutsel K'e Dene First Nation," Enzoe said.

Enzoe herself grew up attending the event, and hearing the legends about big beavers and giants who populated the area.

She said the gathering is about prayer, community and being together on the land.

Last year, there was a baptism, a wedding, a spiritual hike and a water ceremony.

She also said people taking part in the gathering can also expect "clear waters, beautiful fish, lots of berries."

"The lady usually gifts us with an animal," she said. "Then we feast on the animal together."

People are planning to return to utsel K'e on Aug. 13.