##  [Denésoliné (Chipewyan) Knowledge of Barren-Ground Caribou (Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus) Movements](/resource/denesoline-chipewyan-knowledge-barren-ground-caribou-rangifer-tarandus-groenlandicus) 

Organization

[University of Manitoba](/organization/university-manitoba-1)

[Łutsel Kʼe Dene First Nation](/organization/lutsel-ke-dene-first-nation)

 

 

Project

[Northern Caribou Canada](/project/northern-caribou-canada)

 

Resource Type

[Peer reviewed article](/taxonomy/term/37)

 

 

Author(s)

Anne Kendrick

Phil Lyver

Łutsël K’e Dëne First Nation

 

 

Original Authors

A. Kendrick

P. Lyver

Łutsel Kʼe Dene First Nation 

 

 

Contacts

[Clive Tesar](/contact/clive-tesar)

 

 

Resource Date:

2005

 

Page Length

17 pages

 

 

Semi-directed interviews relating to the traditional knowledge (TK) of barren-ground caribou (*Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus*) movements were conducted with elders and hunters from the Denésôliné (Chipewyan) community of Åutsël K’é, Northwest Territories, Canada. The objective was to document Denésôliné knowledge of past and present caribou migration patterns and record their explanations for perceived changes in movements. Elders recognized expected and unusual levels of variation in caribou movements. Local narratives show that Denésôliné communities have a fundamental awareness of caribou migration cycles. Most elders thought fire frequency and intensity had increased over their lifetimes and that caribou numbers and distribution had been affected. The majority of Åutsël K’é elders thought mining development was affecting caribou movements in some way. Elders believe that disturbance around traditional migration corridors and water crossings and disturbance of “vanguard” animals might be forcing caribou to use less optimal routes and influencing where they overwinter. Elders also believe that a lack of respect for caribou will cause the animals to deviate from their “traditional” migration routes and become unavailable to the people for a period of time. Wildlife management practices may need to further accommodate aboriginal perspectives in the future.

This resource and others can be found on the Northern Caribou Canada website. [To find more related resources click here.](https://www.northerncaribou.ca/)