A brief history...

The Old Ways of Fort Liard

The Slavey Dene have inhabited the Fort Liard area for 9,000-10,000 years, as evidenced by archaeological finds at Fisherman's Lake. Their culture was rich and deeply rooted in tradition, with knowledge passed orally from elders to younger generations.

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Traditionally, the Dene lived off the land, traveling by foot, dogsled, snowshoes, and canoes. They were nomadic, moving with the seasons and using rivers as natural highways for trade. They engaged in extensive trade with distant groups, including the Coastal Tlingit from British Columbia and the Yukon.

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Fort Liard was a major gathering spot, especially in spring, where people from various regions would converge for social events, trading, and celebrations. The gatherings were so large that it was said you could walk across the Liard River on the assembled canoes. These canoes were crafted from spruce bark, a material found in few places in Canada.

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North West Company / Hudson’s Bay Company Era

In the 1700s, the Slavey Dene began trading with Euro-Canadians, a relationship that expanded following Alexander Mackenzie's exploration of the Mackenzie River, known locally as the "Deh Cho" (Big River). The North West Company established a trading post at Fort Liard, known as "Riviere aux Liards" (River of Aspens), before 1807.

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However, the post faced significant challenges, including a violent incident that led to its abandonment. By 1821, after the merger of the North West Company with the Hudson’s Bay Company, the post was reestablished under Hudson’s Bay control, marking the start of intense fur trade activities and cultural changes.

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During this period, moosehide boats, modeled after Hudson's Bay Company's York boats, were used to transport goods. These large boats, constructed from six to ten untanned moosehides stretched over a spruce frame, brought furs and families to trade for metal tools, tea, flour, beads, and other essential items. Upon arrival, the boats were dismantled, and the hides were repurposed.

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The Mission and the Missionaries

Founding of the Mission:
In 1859, Father Zephirin Gascon, an Oblate of Mary Immaculate from Quebec, established the Fort Liard Mission. His arrival marked the beginning of significant missionary influence in the region.

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Missionary Work:
Missionaries played a crucial role in the area, traveling by snowshoe, dog team, and boat. Brother Felix served at Fort Liard from 1912 to 1965, continuing this legacy.

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Mission Building:
The current Mission building was constructed by Father Mathurin Vacher from 1913 to 1921, with much of the work done manually. The Mission’s foundations were rebuilt in 1957, and the building was renovated in 1965. It remains an active place of worship.

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Cultural Influence:
The Grey Nuns, who also lived in Fort Liard, influenced local art by shifting designs from traditional geometric patterns to floral and animal themes.

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Visiting Today:

Unfortunately the Roman Catholic Church was torn down Spring of 2017. 

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Fort Liard Today

Modern Community:
Fort Liard is a vibrant, modern community deeply involved in the oil and gas industry. New technologies like internet, satellite TV, and debit card services have transformed daily life, though many residents still embrace traditional ways.

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Enhanced Accessibility:
Improvements to the Liard Highway have connected Fort Liard to a broader audience. It’s now a popular stop for RV travelers, who come to experience the local culture and shop for unique birch bark baskets and moosehide beadwork at the Acho Dene Native Craft Shop.

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Local Services:
The community offers a range of services, including two grocery stores, a motel, a fuel center, and a restaurant. Transportation is facilitated by trucks, ATVs, snowmobiles, and boats equipped with motors.

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Traditional Practices:
Despite modern advancements, traditional activities like making dried moose meat, tanning hides, and spending time at riverside camps remain important. Elders continue to uphold these practices.

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Governance and Development:
Fort Liard is governed by an elected chief and council, reflecting the community's evolving administrative needs. The Acho Dene Koe First Nation is actively working on land claims and adapting to growth while striving to preserve its cultural heritage.

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Looking Ahead:
The future holds opportunities and challenges as Fort Liard continues to grow and develop. The community aims to balance modernization with cultural preservation, hoping to achieve a bright future while honoring its unique traditions.

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