The Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning (Dechinta) is a land-based learning institution rooted in the homelands of the Yellowknife’s Dene First Nation, committed to education that reflects and upholds Indigenous knowledge systems. In collaboration with Dene Nahjo, Hotiì Ts’eeda, and Ecology North, Dechinta has launched a new initiative aimed at strengthening mutual aid networks across Northern communities. As the impacts of climate change—such as wildfires and changes to ice conditions—continue to intensify, this initiative prioritizes sustainable, community-driven approaches to preparedness and response. 

The initiative was launched through three key events last spring: 

  • Community Mapping Workshop: Organizers gathered to assess existing support networks in Yellowknife, identifying strengths and areas for growth. 
  • Canning Workshop: Hosted in partnership with Ecology North and Hotiì Ts’eeda, this workshop offered participants hands-on training in food preservation, strengthening local food security and self-sufficiency. 
  • Mutual Aid Roundtable: Community members engaged in discussions on collective care, interdependence, and strategies to enhance local resilience. 

Each workshop was designed to honor Indigenous knowledge systems, foster community connections, and promote self-sufficiency in ways that align with land-based teachings and traditional values. 

The Community Mapping Workshop created a space for participants to assess and enhance local support networks, ensuring resources and services are shaped by the needs of the people they serve. This process reflects the importance of community-led decision-making and upholds the knowledge of local Elders and knowledge keepers in guiding solutions. 

The Canning Workshop reinforced traditional food preservation skills, which have long been central to sustainable living and food sovereignty in the North. By providing practical training on safe food storage and preservation, the workshop empowered participants to strengthen food security while respecting Indigenous relationships with the land, harvesting cycles, and seasonal food systems. 

The Mutual Aid Roundtable encouraged meaningful conversations on care, reciprocity, and collective resilience. These discussions highlighted that looking after one another is not only a survival strategy but an essential part of Indigenous ways of knowing and being—a strength that has sustained communities for generations. 

Together, these initiatives demonstrate the power of community-led knowledge-sharing, ensuring that cultural teachings, practical skills, and Indigenous values continue to guide solutions for future generations. Dechinta Centre and its partners remain committed to supporting communities as they build long-term resilience in the face of ongoing challenges. 

For more information, visit Dechinta’s website.