Gonaewo (Our Way of Life) is about keeping our Tłı̨chǫ stories valid which was challenged by the colonization narrative over many generations. Gonaewo continues to sustain us as we continue our ways of implementing our core values to our Lands, Language, Culture and Way of Life, in the spirit of “Strong Like Two People".

Speaker's biography: Dr. John B. Zoe was the Chief Land Claims Negotiator along with a Negotiations Team and Elder Advisors for the former Treaty 11 Council of the NWT from 1994 until its conclusion with the establishment of the Tłı̨chǫ Government in 2005.

John is now a senior advisor to the Tłı̨chǫ Government, and a Co-lead to the Indigenous Relationship to Land theme for the Modern Treaties Implementation Research Project. John was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Alberta in recognition of his work in the development of the new government, as well as his contributions to projects that are built upon a foundation of Tłı̨chǫ language, culture and way of life. He is a recipient of the Order of the NWT and the Tłı̨chǫ Government recognition Award.

Learn more about the Indigenous Governance Speaker Series and view past presentations: YukonU.ca/IGSS.