A symbolic tree on the Yellowknife River dedicated to the Dene legend of Yamozha was ripped from its base during a windstorm last week.
According to environment Canada wind gusts reached up to 70 km/h during Friday's extended storm, which also saw moments of heavy rain and lightning.
The force was enough to sever the tree at its base. The sacred tree now lays horizontal with blue ribbons and rosaries hanging from the bark.
The tree, dedicated to the legend of Yamozha and the giant beavers, is known to the community as a praying spot for elders.
“Some say it’s meant to bring people good luck,” said Pauline King, who stopped along the Ingraham Trail on Saturday to see the aftermath. “Elders come to the spot and pray. They offer berries, sugar, rosaries and cigarettes.”
King said to her knowledge the tree has been around for a “long” time.
It’s memory will stay with the Denedeh people, King added.
Chief Ernest Betsina said his preference is to bring the remains of the tree across the road to the Denedeh memorial site. The site is located on the Yellowknife River campground.
“After I heard about what happened it feels like losing a loved one,” said Betsina. “But the tree is still alive, it still has spirits in in and I want to resurrect the tree.”
Betsina added he will be consulting with elders on a retreat today to determine the best way to preserve the sacred tree.
“We want to determine how we can make it alive again,” he added.