In 1823,this tribe became well known due to the Franklin Expedition. During that time, the Yellowknives Chief Akaitcho assisted and saved the expedition from starvation, and for this deed Akaitcho received a medal from the Crown. At this period of time, the Yellowknives (Franklin named this tribe Yellowknives due to their copper tool use) were the largest and most powerful band in the north.

In 1900, at the signing of Treaty 8 with the Crown, the Yellowknives were the largest tribe to sign the treaty. Treaty 8, 1900 was signed by Chief Snuff of the Yellowknives who resided on the south shore and east arm of Great Slave Lake. In the 1920s the community on the Taltson where the Yellowknives resided, became to be known as "Rocher River". Chief Snuff had his cabin about 10 miles from Rocher River on "Snuff Channel"on the Taltson River. The Yellowknives continued to reside in the area until the early 1960s when the school burned down in Rocher River and the people had to relocate in order for the children to receive an education. Then the Taltson River hydro dam was built. The last chief of the Rocher River Yellowknives in the 1960s was Chief Pierre Frise who was a strong advocate against the proposed building of the Taltson River dam. From this point the "Rocher River" people - the real Yellowknives were dispersed to Ft Resolution, Yellowknife, and different areas of Canada.

As can be seen and verified through historical records, etc. the real and original Yellowknives continued to be the largest tribe in the north right up to the 1900s, verified by the historical treaty documents. In the 1920s, 30s, and 40s, the Yellowknives still retained their true identity and were well known by the names of: "Yellowknives, Redknife, Copper, Indians". The native name that the Yellowknives called themselves is - "Tatsanottine". Even the name where they resided, Taltson River - is a derivative of their name, Tatsanottine. The name Tatsanottine is also recorded in historical books.

Beginning in 1910 the Dept. of Indian Affairs and the Roman Catholic Church in their statistics of the region, began to amalgamate the name of the Yellowknives and Chipeywans of Ft Resolution and Taltson River area under one name that of the Chipewyans - even though though they are different tribes and each signed Treaty 8, 1900. Smith refers to this in his report called the " Moose Deer Island House People" (Museum of Man Series) This appears to have been a deliberate attempt to hide the real identity of the real Yellowknives. The big question is Why? The result of this is that eventually in the 1950s onward the real Yellowknives thought themselves to be Chipewyans too - how terribly sad! A deliberate extinction of a tribe via a name change!

In our April 1995 report I included the comments made by Mason, of the University of Iowa, in his study of the Yellowknives - the Rocher River people- in the early 1940s. He states that there appears to be a deliberate extinction of the name 'Yellowknives' to suit the political climate of the times. (It is of interest that later the "Yellowknives" were referred to as the "lost tribe".) Mason also indicated that the Rocher River Yellowknives are indigenous to the area and the people had an "old language" and still had words of their old language in their adopted style of the Chipewyan language. The Rocher River people speak a different dialect of Chipewyan - that is different from the Chipewyan language of Ft Resolution and Snowdrift ( Snowdrift is now called "Lutsel Ke" and their Chipewyan is identical to the Chipewyan spoken at the Lake Athabasca area where they are originally from) Most of the Chipewyans from Ft Resolution originated from Ft Chipewyan in northern Alberta. I am elaborating on this issue further in the book that I am writing on it. I have been researching this matter since 1995 and it is all being recorded in my book, that I will eventually publish.

Indian Affairs always knew the true identity of the Yellowknives (old treaty cards of the real Yellowknives substantiated this) - but as time went on they were silent on this matter - as they still are. Years later,1960s,etc. the real Yellowknives were surprised to find that Indian Affairs placed their names on various other band lists ( oddly, they were often listed and included in modern non-signatory bands) Due to needs such as dental, etc, some Rocher River people had to reluctantly sign up with other bands in order to obtain treaty benefits such as medical benefits, etc Some still do not know where they are re-registered. Unbelievably this horrendous treatment and violation of treaty and inherent rights continues today - 2002! The real Yellowknives (Rocher River, NWT people) - a Treaty 8, 1900 signatory band are not part of the Treaty 8, negotiations today with the Canadian Government. To substaniate this - they have lumped together historical signatory bands and the newly formed modern bands of the Treaty 8, 1900 area under the name "Akaitcho Territory" But, the true Yellowknives, historical signatory band, are not included under the umbrella of the Akaitcho territory. This is elaborated further in the following paragraphs.

In 1900, Treaty 8 was signed by four bands ( in areas of what is now the NWT) The 4 bands were:
The Slaveys of Lower Hay River, Southshore Great Slave Lake
The Dogribs of Northshore, Great Slave Lake
The Chipewyans of Little Buffalo River (Ft Resolution),Southshore Great Slave Lake
The Yellowknives of the Southshore & East Arm Great Slave Lake. Note - the
Yellowknives were the largest tribe to sign Treaty 8, 1900. Please refer to the historical Treaty 8, 1899 & 1900 documents and adhesions for substantiation of this information.

It should be noted to avoid confusion that Treaty 8 is in two parts: The first part Treaty 8, 1899 pertains to 9 signatory bands south of what is now the NWT border -Alberta, Sask. The second part of Treaty 8, 1900 known as an "adhesion" - there are 7 (seven) historical signatory bands. They are in northern BC, northern Alberta. Four are in what is now the NWT are previously listed above. In total there are 16 historical signatory bands for Treaty 8, 1899 & 1900. There are 9 bands for Treaty 8, 1899 and 7 band for Treaty 8, 1900. The historical Treaty signatory bands are the only bands who have legitimate authority to negotiate Treaty 8, 1899 & 1900. The newly formed modern bands do not have legitimate authority to negotiate Treaty 8, 1899& 1900. (for the reason that they did not sign the original treaties)

In addition to this sad plight of the real Yellowknives- aka the Rocher River/Taltson River people- another band, the Dogribs of Treaty 8, 1900, have taken the name "Yellowknives" The Dogribs of Dettah (near the town of Yellowknife) took the name "Yellowknives" in 1991! In the early 1800s - Chief Akaitcho of the Yellowknives and Chief Edzo of the Dogribs were at war with each other. They are two distinct and different tribes. These two bands later signed Treaty 8, 1900. (The Dogrib Chief Dried Geese signed Treaty 8 1900 and the Yellowknives Chief Snuff signed Treaty 8, 1900)

It is of importance to note that other "Yellowknives" web sites, are not affiliated with us - the true "Yellowknives of Rocher River". These other web sites are the bands which have taken the identity of the true Yellowknives in 1991.

It should be noted as well - that some refer to the Yellowknives "A" and "B' band. Beryle Gillespi refers in her report to the A and B band. This origination of this is two fold - one is that in the early 1950s - the post office identified the Rocher River people on the Taltson River as the "Yellowknives A' Band". Secondly, when the town of Yellowknife became a mining community in the 1930s - people from Rocher River came to work in the mines and settled on Latham Island. Rocher River people like Charley Ribb, Jimmy Louyine, etc. were the first people to live in the area of what was later to be called "Rainbow Valley" at the end of Latham Island in the town of Yellowknife. Recently, the name Rainbow Valley has been changed to "Nidilo" In this context the Rocher River people on Latham Island were called the "Yellowknives B Band". Therefore, it can be seen that the true Yellowknives, the Rocher River people were at the time referred to as the Yellowknives A and B Bands due to the fact that some of the Rocher River Yellowknives moved to the town of Yellowknife. ( please note that the Yellowknives band spell Yellowknives with a "v". When referring to the town of Yellowknife - it is spelled with an "f")

To further add to this - a confusing element was added - that of referring to the natives of the town of Yellowknife -( any native who moved to the area) Yellowknife Indians. ( At the time natives of a community were generally referred to to by the name of a community for eg Ft Resolution Indians - who are Chipewyans). During this time frame of the 1930s the Dogribs did not live in Yellowknife they lived at Trout Rock and Ft Rae. The Dried Geese (who are the descendents of the Dogrib Chief Dried Geese who signed Treaty 8, 1900 for the Dogribs) family lived at Trout Rock and Ft Rae. Later on some of the Dogribs moved to Dettah which is across the Bay from the town of Yellowknife. Today, these Dogribs continue to live at Detta, Ft Rae, Edzo, and Yellowknife.

As mentioned previously this Dogrib band from Dettah took the name of another tribe that of the Yellowknives in 1991. Eventually, in later years some of the Dogribs moved to Latham Island and the town of Yellowknife. In it's beginning in the 1930s, Yellowknife was settled by white southerners who moved north when the Yellowknife Con mine opened.

To further add to this dilemma - since 1995 when we initiated the quest for re-recognition of the Yellowknives of the Taltson River (Rocher River People) - a few new groups or splinter groups have been formed - but we are not affiliated with them. Apparently, some of the group claim that they are from Rocher River - yet, they are not known to be from the area. This brings new meaning to "jumping -on -the-'band' wagon". However, this is typical of any new endeaver. Sadly, this hinders our quest for re-recognition - but we continue to perservere on. This pattern continues to be a continued occurance for the "true Yellowknives" - other bands or people claim to be them - as specified here in previous paragraphs ( of other bands taking the true Yellowknves identity).

We have been dealing with the sad plight of the true Yellowknives - the Rocher River/Taltson River people since 1995. I have written letters, attended many band meetings, wrote continuely to Indian Affairs, wrote public letters in newspapers, etc. etc., etc - yet I have received no results - they basically all remain silent. This injustice and violtation of Treaty and inherent rights has to stop. The true Yellowknives have had their identity, lands, treaty rights, history, etc, stolen and violated. This injustice has to stop now - the real Yellowknives - have to have their rightful identity and place in history, modern day, and the future. May God bless us all!

Historical Treaty 8 is in two parts - the Crown treaty party signed Treaty 8 1899 with the native bands that were in the area of what is now northern BC, northern Alta, and northern Sask. The historical bands are as follows: (included dates that they signed the treaty - info from the historical Treaty 8 document)

Treaty 8, 1899 - 9 historical signatory bands:
1. Lesser Slave Lake & Sturgeon Lake (present day Alta)----June 21, 1899
2. Peace River Landing---------------------"                        "----July 01, 1899
3. Dunvegan ---------------------------------"                        "----July 06, 1899
4. Vermillion ---------------------------------"                        "----July 08, 1899
5. Ft Chipewyan ---------------------------- "                        "----July 13, 1899
6. Smith's Landing/Slave River------------"                        "----July 17, 1899
7. Fond du Lac/Lake Athabasca-----------"                      " Sask--July 25&27,1899
8. Ft McMurray--------------------------------"                      "Alta--- August 4, 1899
9. Wapisca--------------------------------------"                      "-----August 14, 1899
Note: Smith's Landing - was later renamed Ft Fitzgerald, Alta.

The second part (called adhesions) of Treaty 8 is Treaty 8, 1900 - the Crown continued treaty signing with the 3 bands listed below for the areas of what is now northern BC and northern Alta. The 3 bands are as follows:

The crown treaty party continued on to the trading post of Ft Resolution to meet with the bands of the southshore of Great Slave Lake to enter into treaty. The Crown signed Treaty 8, 1900 with the following 4 bands of what is now the Northwest Territories:

Note: Of interest is Chief Snuff's band - the Yellowknives of the East Arm of Great Slave Lake and Taltson River area (Rocher River settlement) although a historical signatory band - are not recognized or included in the Treaty 8, 1900 negotiations of today. This is a serious violation of treaty and inherent rights. Note: The treaty party did not plan to enter into treaty with the northshore of Great Slave Lake at this time in 1900 - however, the Dogribs requested to enter into treaty too in order to obtain fish nets, rations, etc. The Dogribs of Rae entered into Treaty 11 in 1921 and at the time there was some concern of the validity of the Dogrib Treaty 11 signed by Chief Monfwi due to the fact that they had signed Treaty 8 in 1900.

The above are the 16 historical Treaty 8, 1899&1900 signatory bands. These bands and their descendents are the only bands that legitimately have the right to negotiate Treaty 8, 1899 & 1900.

Both categories of historical signatory and newly formed modern day non-signatory bands are combined in the modern day band list for the Treaty 8, 1900 jurisdiction in the NWT of today- they are as follows:

1. Ft Resolution, NWT ------------------ Deninu Kue Nations Band
2 Snowdrift, NWT- now called Lutsel Ke---------- Lutsel Ke Band
3. Yellowknife (Dettah), NWT -------------- Yellowknives Dene Band
4. Yellowknife (Latham Island) - -----------Yellowknives N'Dilo Band
5. Ft Smith, NWT ---------------------------------Salt River First Nations
6. Ft Fitzgerald, Alta (Smith's Landing)------- Smith's Landing Band

THE NON- SIGNATORY TREATY 8 NEWLY FORMED MODERN DAY BANDS ARE AS FOLLOWS in the NWT: (Definition- "Non - Signatory Treaty 8 Newly Formed Modern Day Bands- These are any bands that have been formed after the signing of Treaty 8, 1900 in the historical Treaty 8, 1900 jurisdiction. They did not sign the original historical treaty - they are therefore non-signatory bands) They are as follows:

1. Snowdrift - Lutsel Ke Band -the Snowdrift people are the descendents of the"Cariboo-eater Chipewyans" from Lake Athabasca - (so they would belong to that treaty jurisdiction). - Non-signatory band- Treaty 8, 1900
2. Ft Smith - Salt River Band - Non-signatory band- Treaty 8, 1900
3. Yellowknife - Yellowknives of N"Dilo- Non-signatory band- Treaty 8. 1900
4. Yellowknives- Yellowknives of Dettah- Non-signatory band-Treaty 8. 1900

Note: These two "Yellowknives" Bands are Dogrib bands that took the name "Yellowknives" in 1991. These two bands are the descendents of Chief Dried Geese's Dogrib band of Treaty 8, 1900. In essence, they are a historical Treaty 8, 1900 signatory band - but they are not using their true identity as Dogribs - but have taken the identity and name of the real "Yellowknives". They have taken the identity of Chief Snuff's Yellowknives band of Treaty 8, 1900 - the Taltson River/Rocher River people. Ironically, no one seems to question where the Chief Dried Geese's Dogrib band is today.

Another point of interest is that the Hay River Slavey Band is a Treaty 8, 1900 signatory band - yet they are not listed in their rightful historical Treaty, 1900 jurisdiction. Oddly, today, they are listed in with the "Deh Cho" Ft Simpson/Ft Providence areas) Treaty 11, 1921 band area.

Another area of interest is the issue of "Comprehensive Claims" and "Specific Claims". The newly formed non-signatory modern day bands enter into treaty negotiations under the Comprehensive Claim. Oddly, today, historical signatory bands ( for both Treaty 8 and Treaty 11) are entering into "Comprehensive" claims - when they should be negotiating under "Specifiic Claims" ( also called TLE- Treaty Land Entitlement) due to their historical signatory band status.

It is understandable that the Inuit entered into Comprehensive Claims due to the fact that the Crown did not enter historical treaties with the Inuit of the high Arctic. The Comprehensive Claim was established for this purpose - and the Nunavut Comprehensive Claim was the largest to be settled. The newly fomed modern day non- signatory bands do not have the legitimate right to negotiate under "Specific Claims". The modern day non-signatory bands needed a category that they could negotiate under so- they are negotiating under the category of "Comprehensive Claims". Ironically, they refer to the historical treaties as their basis for negotiating treaty issues.

These definitions are from page 1 of -Unit three: Land Claims and Treaty Entitlement - Dept.of Indian Affairs and Northern Dev.

"Canada has categorized treaty land entitlement as a specific claim. Treaty land entitlement concerns fulfillment of the promise of reserve land in the numbered treaties." DIAND web.

"Comprehensive claims include those land claims of First Nations who never signed treaties. Settlement agreements provide certainity of rights to ownership and the use of land and resources in those areas where Aboriginal title has not been dealt with by treaty" DIAND web.

It can be concluded from Diands definition of Comprehensive Claims that newly formed modern day non-signatory historical bands are in serious violation of historical treaty rights if they are negotiating treaty jurisdiction lands that have already been negotiated under historical treaties. In essence, they are "stealing" land that belongs to a historical signatory band - and it gets worse- using the historical treaties as their basis of legitimizing their negotiations! An example of this is the Rocher River/Taltson River people - a Treaty 8, 1900 signatory band. They are a historical signatory band and their jurisdiction is the south- shore and east arm of Great Slave Lake. Another non- signatory band - the Snowdrift ( now known as Lutsel Ke) Band - are claiming these lands. In addition, I believe, Ft Resolution is also claiming the " Rocher River/ Taltson River lands), All of the other "modern day non signatory bands of Treaty 8, 1900 are guilty in essence of this as well. To substantiate this they have created what is called "Akaitcho Territory" which lumps together some of the historical signatory bands and new modern day non-signatory bands.But - they omit and do not recognise the Yellowknives Chief Snuff band of Treaty 8, 1900 As identified earlier in this report - the historical signatory bands of Treaty 8, 1900 and themodern day newly formed "Treaty 8" bands are identified.

The boundaries for Treaty 8, 1900 are clearly identified in the historical Treaty 8, 1900 historical document. The boundaries for the historical Treaty 8, 1900 are from" the mouth of the Hay River to Old Ft Reliance, Lockheart River, and territory adjacent thereto on the mainland and islands on the Great Slave Lake". The Slaveys of the mouth of the Hay River. The Chipewyans of Ft Resolution/ Slave River area. The Yellowknives of the Taltson to Reliance and Lockheart and area. As previously stated - the Dogribs of Treaty 8, 1900 were not included in the Treaty 8, 1900 boundaries due to the fact that there were no plans to enter into Treaty with the north- shore of Great Slave Lake at the time. However, the Dogribs requested entry into Treaty 8, 1900 with the Crown in order to obtain supplies ( food, nets, etc) - therefore,the northshore boundaries were to be identified later. Due to this, there was concern and questions when the same Dogrib band of Treaty 8, 1900 signed another treaty - Treaty 11 in 1921. So - the Dogribs have signed two treaties (Treaty 8, 1900 and Treaty 11, 1921). The first time around no land boundaries were identified for the reason specified above. The second time around the land boundaries should have been identified - but there was no requirement for treaty signature as this was done in 1900. The aspect has caused alot of confusion - as can be seen today with all of the issues surrounding the boundaries debate. Please refer to the historical Treaty 8, 1900 documents for substantiation.

What I find extremely questionable is - why is the government negotiating non-signatory "modern day treaties"? Why are they not negotiating and dealing with the "historical signatory treaties first? How can they legitmately negotiate a "modern day treaty with non-signatory historical bands" prior to dealing with the "historical signatory bands"? This does not make sense. How can they define the boundaries, etc - if they deal and negotiate with the new modern day non-signatory bands. How can such negotiations have any validity or legitimacy? Worse- they are negotiating "historical signatory jurisdiction areas and lands! In addition, they are attempting to legitimize this error by using Treaty 8, 1900 as their bases. This pattern appears to be happening in other areas of Canada as well. The simple fact is - the historical signatory bands that signed historical Treaty 8 have to be negotiated and finalized. Only then - if areas that were not covered by the historical treaties - could be referred to a "modern treaty- Comprehensive Claim" But- with Treaty 8, 1900 this is not the case- all areas in this jurisdication were covered under the historical treaty. The only area in the NWT which were not dealt with by a historical treaty is in the high Arctic - Inuvaluit lands.They did not sign a historical treaty. Therefore, the Inuvaluit would negotiate under the Comprehensive Claim. All other areas in the western NWT are covered under historical Treaty 8, 1900 and Treaty 11, 1921 - so there is no place for another "modern day non-signatory "band in this area.

If the term "modern day" treaty is used it should be defined and clarified clearly. There is a need for public awareness of the Historical Treaties and signatory bands. Of concern is that you rarely see documents of the historical treaties. In addition, often the documents of Treaty 8, 1899 & 1900 (adhesions) displayed on the internet web only inlcude the first part of Treaty 8 ,1899. The second part - Treaty 8, 1900 called adhesions - is not included.

The Dept of Indian Affairs, Federal Government, has the responsibility to ensure that the historical Treaties are protected, recognized, used legitimately, and implemented as to what they truly are and meant to be until " as long as the river flows...." The historical signatory bands have to be recognized as to who they truly are. The newly-formed non-signatory treaty bands do not have the legitimate authority to negotiate anything that pertains to historical treaty areas, jurisdiction, lands, etc Also, another historical signatory band cannot take on the identity of another historical signatory band - as the Dogribs of Treaty 8, 1900 have taken on the identity of the "Yellowknives". This issue was further elaborated on in this web page.

As can be seen - the Treaty 8, 1900 is in a terrible and confusing mess! This report identifies the major areas of concern. It is time for the public to be aware of the truth about Treaty 8, 1900 today. Since January 1995 to date (almost 8 years) , I have been invloved with this issue. It has been a very difficult road to travel - but it has to be done. It is our identity - who we are - where we come from, our past, and future. Chief Snuff of the Yellowknives band signed Treaty 8, 1900 for the southshore and east arm of Great Slave Lake - the Taltson River/Rocher people have to be rerecognized and reinstated as to who they truly are - our identity, lands, etc - has to be returned to the rightful owners!

I am presently writing a book on my experiences of this issue for the past 8 years. I feel that all of this needs to be documented to ensure that eventually the truth will be known and we are reinstated into our rightful place in Canadian society.

On June 26, 1995 I composed this poem as an ode to the Rocher River/Taltson River people:

In closing I would like to quote Psalms 107 from the Bible. This Bible verse has been a great inspiration to me and to others who have encountered similar issues. I would like to give honor and glory to Jesus. Throughout this difficult ordeal - I continually relied on Jesus. My Christian beliefs carried me through. I would also like to thank all of the "Rocher River/Taltson River" people who have helped, encouraged, assisted, prayed, etc.--

My family - the Becks, Louyines, McQueens, Looks, Isidore & Vicki Sanderson,and the Simons, Agnes Villebrun, Valerie Frise, David & Heather King, Isidore Simon, Emelda King, Dora Unka, Lawrence Casaway, Edith Gerioux, Annie Beaulieu, May Sayine, Margarite Sayine, Marcel McKay, Mavis Klause, Alice Sterling, Gabe Yelle, John Cree, Paul & Archie Smith, Roy King, Solomon King, Patsy Casaway, Joe Jerome, Alfred Hilare, Tommy King. and all of the other Rocher River people.

I would also like to thank all of the other people who encouraged and helped me- Stuart Houston, Gabrielle MacKenzie Scott, Margaret Ireland, Dora Duncan, Dottie Mandeville (deceased), Eliza Lawrence, Bertha Calvin, Margaret Lehune, Dorothy Chalifoux, Doreen Simon, Larry Campbell, and all others that are too numerous to mention due to space.

I would like to pay tribute to the Rocher River /Talstson River people who are deceased and wished to return to their homeland but did not make it.

" O Give thanks unto the Lord,
for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever
Let the redeemed of the Lord
say so, whom he hath redeemed
from the hand of the enemy;
And gathered them out of the lands,      
from the east, and from the west,
from the north, and from the south.
They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way;
they found no city to dwell in
Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them
Then they cried unto the Lord
in their trouble, and he delivered them
out of their distresses
And he led them forth by the right way,
that they may go to a city of habitation
Oh that men would praise the Lord
for his goodness, and for his wonderful
works to the children of men....."