The Dene Collective

The Dene Collective A visual journal of the Dene - The land, the language, the culture, and the people.

A handful of images from the annual Handgames tournament in Hay River on August 1-3, 2026. 🙌🏽
08/12/2026

A handful of images from the annual Handgames tournament in Hay River on August 1-3, 2026.

🙌🏽

08/07/2026

Drummers from Whati in Hay River. August 3, 2026

That midnight drum dance energy is always the most powerful.

08/04/2026

In the old days, men would gather and play handgames as a way to help them heal. Despite there being money involved, it isn’t guaranteed, and the game still brings many people together and creates good energy that can impact a persons life for the better.

Life for a lot of young men in our communities is tough, especially for those who have lost a parent or close friend. Seems as though a lot of our communities are in perpetual grief over the past several years. I lost my dad in 2015, and it was a journey getting back to my full strength. I started travelling around for handgames in 2018 and it helped tremendously. It brought me closer to my spirituality as a Dene person, and it brought me closer to a community that understands all we have been through together as Dene people.

It was great to see many youth on the mats and at the drum dance. Surely we are past the point of critical mass, and handgames will always be there for the young people that need it to find the best version of themselves or help them during hard times.

Mahsi to Katlodechee First Nation for the amazing weekend! We really enjoyed our time in your community!

🙌🏽

08/02/2026

War ⚡️

07/29/2026

Heading back to Hay River this weekend. Looking forward to the experience!

06/09/2026

The Gathering of Drummers hosted by the Prophet River First Nation in July 2025 at beautiful Sikanni Ranch in the Northern Rocky Mountains.

One of the best cultural gatherings I’ve ever been to.

The annual event takes place this summer between July 12-19, 2026.

🙏🏽

06/04/2026

Summer Handgames SZN is upon us 👌🏾

July 2023 - Fort Nelson, British Columbia.

04/05/2026

Happy Easter ! Hope this finds you in good spirits wherever you are.

This traditional prayer song comes from the Sahtúot’ı̨nę of Délı̨nę. Far up north along Great Bear Lake in the Northwest Territories.

Best wishes on this Sunday.

Mahsi 🙏🏽

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V0C1R0

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