92 # R I S I N G Y O U T H C O M M U N I T Y I M P A C T
The Dene rites of passage
ceremony is a significant part
of a Dene youth's transition
from childhood to adulthood.
Traditionally, the ceremonies
have been different according to
gender, with boys learning about
hunting and on-the-land activities
and girls learning more caretaking
and homemaking skills.
#RisingYouth grantee Anonda
Canadiens wanted to revive
these traditional ceremonies
to be inclusive of youth
who may identify as non-
binary or gender fluid.
Anonda organized a special rites
of passage camp tailored for
LGBTQ, gender-fluid, and two-
spirit youth transitioning into
adulthood in Fort Providence.
The camp took place over the
course of four days and included
teachings from Elders, traditional
storytelling, history lessons, skill
sharing, and other ceremonies
to mark their rites of passage.
" The discussions were the
richest when the youth
talked amongst themselves
and then engaged with the
adults, essentially teaching
who they are and defining
their needs and how they
could be supported."
ANONDA CANADIEN
Dene Rites of Passage Ceremony
Anonda Canadiens | $1,500
Fort Providence, Northwest Territories
NORTHWEST
TERRITORIES
Fort Providence is located on Deh
Cho Dene Territory as part of Treaty 11.
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