Traditional Use

Hanás Saahgéʔ means “Raft River” in our language. For as long as we remember, this area of the Doig River has been a major camping spot for our people. We used it on our seasonal rounds as we traveled to hunt, trap and gather throughout our territories. We would often transport our furs down river from Alédzé Tsáá by raft following the spring breakup; this is why we call it Hanás Saahgéʔ.

Colonialism and Settlement

In the early 1950’s, we settled here and sent our children to school after our reserve at Gat Tah Kwą̂ (Montney) was given to the returning WW II veterans. The Doig River Indian Reserve has been our home base since then.

Renewal

After being compensated from Apsassin vs. HTMQ for the loss of our mineral rights at our old reserve at Gat Tah Kwą̂ (Montney), DRFN constructed a new administrative complex in 2003. This complex is the hub of our community, an inspiring place for our community to gather for meetings, social events, work and recreation.

As part of the Treaty Land Entitlement (TLE) claim, our existing reserve at IR#206 will be expanding.

In 2021 we completed construction of a new multi-use health and wellness facility (Peoples Prayer House) and a Tea Dance Arbor.

DRFN is also completing the construction of five new homes in the community.

Learn more about this special place including the stories and songs associated with it by visiting our Dane Wajich educational website here.