Gwich'in People
The Gwich’in (sometimes rendered as Kutchin or Gwitchin), literally "one who dwells" or "resident of ", are a First Nations/Alaska Native people who live in the northwestern part of North America mostly above the Arctic Circle. The Gwichʼin were also known by the French name of Loucheux ("squinters") in historical documents, as well as the Tukudh used by Anglican missionaries. Gwich’in often self-reference using the term "Dinjii Zhuu" instead of Gwich’in. Dinjii Zhuu literally translates as "Small People" but figuratively it refers to 'Indians', not just Gwich’in.
The Gwich’in are well known for the construction of snowshoes, birchbark canoes, the two way sled, and intricate and ornate beadwork. Traditional caribou skin clothing and porcupine quill sewing are also held in high regard among Gwich'in. Today the economy is mostly a mix of hunting, fishing, and seasonal wage paying employment.
Read more about Gwich'in People: Gwich’in Language, Gwich’in Tribes and Clans, Location and Population, Oral History, Spiritual Beliefs, Recognition, Current Politics, Influential Gwich'in
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