Elders' Biographies

Caroline Kay was born at Trail Creek, Yukon on December 31st, 1914, to her parents Annie G. and Robert Sintenilyin (Shint’eh Nił’in). Being one of twelve siblings, Caroline remembers her parent’s direct involvement in their lives.

Bella Greenland was born in Old Crow, Yukon, up the Porcupine River on November 18th, 1934. Her parents were Robert and Ellen Bruce. From what she can recall, her father’s family was from the Wolf Clan (Ichyaa) and her mother’s family was from the Crow Clan (Naatsaii).

Barney was born on June 23, 1935 in Tsiigehtchic to Otto (Aadu’) and Bernadette Natsie. His paternal grandparents were Joe Natsi and Annie Tsal. He knows that his grandfather was from Alaska. Barney’s grandmother’s mother was called Adrienne but he doesn’t remember her too well. As a child, Barney was raised around Pierre’s Creek with his parents and grandparents.

Memories are plentiful for Arthur, when it comes to growing up in Aklavik where his mother and stepfather raised him, along with his two younger sisters. Arthur recalls his stepfather was a trader for the Northern Traders NT and remembers his parents wedding in 1926.

Astrid remembers growing up in Aklavik, living out on the land with her parents and 11 siblings. As a child, Astrid never stayed home instead she would go hunting with her father rather than skinning and stretching rat skins and being bound by the house.

Antoine remembers how, as a young child, he travelled with his parents on the land up the Arctic Red River, around Snake River,Travaillant Lake, Tree River and the Mackenzie Delta. He remembers that his clothes were made of caribou calf skin. They were very soft and warm.

As a child, Annie travelled the land with her parents. She remembers spending the winter at Sitr’ijee (Sitidgi Lake), or up  the Arctic Red River towards the Snake River in the mountains. They also lived about 15 years around Big Rock in the Mackenzie Delta.

As a child, Annie remembers travelling on the land with her parents. In the winter they travelled on the mountains in search of caribou. In the spring they went ratting in the Mackenzie Delta and in the summer, they went to Alec Vizheh where her father would set a net and make dryfish.

Andrew was born December 5, 1923; his parents were Mary (Shananzhaa) and Peter Neyando. His paternal grandparents were Old William Vittrekwa and Merika; Andrew’s maternal grandparents were Charlie Shananzhaa and Mary (nee: Vee). Andrew trapped, fished and hunted all his life.