We Remember the Coming of the White Man: Dene Elders Tell the History of Their Times

by Elizabeth Yakeleya, Sarah Simon (Contributor), Joe Biodin (Contributor)

We Remember the Coming of the White Man chronicles the history of the Sahtú (Mountain Dene) and Gwinch’in People in the extraordinary time of the early 20th century. Chapters are transcripts of oral histories by ten Elders about their recollections of the early days of fur trading, guns, and flu pandemic; dismay about the way oil and uranium discoveries and pipelines were handled on their land; and the emotional and economic fallout of the signing of Treaty 11. Rich with photographs, Elders’ stories are in English and Dene Gwich’in. Bundled with the book is a remastered DVD version of Raymond Yakeleya’s stunning 1978 film We Remember, with director’s commentary. The audiobook, produced by Leanne Goose and read by Dene, Métis, and Inuvialuit narrators, is also due for release soon.

Genres: Indigenous, History

Audible Audio

First published April 21, 2020

Reviews

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is available in the audio version only. It took more than forty years to be published and we owe big thanks to Raymond Yakeleya for his perseverance, Durvile Publications Ltd., and Audible for this very valuable and irreplaceable slice of history.
The book jacket summarizes this story well: "A work in progress since the 1970s, 'WE REMEMBER THE COMING OF THE WHITE MAN' chronicles the history of the Sahtú (Mountain Dene) and Gwinch'in People in the extraordinary time of the early 20th century. Chapters are transcripts of oral histories by 10 Elders about their recollections of the early days of fur trading, guns, and flu pandemic; dismay about the way oil and uranium discoveries and pipelines were handled on their land; and the emotional ad economic fallout of the signing of Treaty 11."
The entire audiobook takes less than 4 hours to complete. I would not have discovered it except for my brother coming across it and our book club deciding to read it. It's very appropriate for us as our home is Fairbanks, AK. The book is especially appropriate not only for northern native peoples, but also for anyone living around First Nations peoples and Native Americans. It is authentic, and at times, tragic history. It needs wider dissemination.
I highly recommend it!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

[Audiobook] This book is pretty cool. It is more of a documentary/dramatization than a book, taking from the movie of the same name. The audio quality is poor at times (because the recordings are authentic) so make sure you have a quiet space.

[Clivemichael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating collection of reminisces and reflections on the time.

[Sarah Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Important stories for every Canadian to read.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the audio! I’d love to see the film/documentary as well.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Important info.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sad and nostalgic the voices of a people unjustly displaced. I must now track down the film.

[Jbondandrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book. Very much the white man and the Canadian government to deny the Indigeneous people a way to live their lives without constant interference.