Ezǫ nǫǫde to (the night the spirits return) kw’à gigha netets’ele (we welcome them back by setting out plates for them) Ehts’oK’eYats’ehtii Zaà welǫ (the end of October),  Ezǫdzeè Zaà (the beginning of November) wexèxòwi.

Tłı̨chǫ Nàowo (custom) is a time to remember loved ones who had passed on, to pass on their legacy to the next generations.

Tłı̨chǫ believe that the spirits of all who have passed on, visit family and relatives once a year on the eve of October 31st and November 1st. Tłı̨chǫ also believe that their loved ones hear them and will grant their request.

What to do ….

Explain this custom, by setting a plate for all your loved ones who have passed on. Name the people you are setting a plate for. Tell them that this is our practice and that this is an important time because our loved ones are with us. Talk about your loved ones, about what you remember, and make your request.  Some ask for plenty of caribou, good trapping and plenty of fish.  

Next day, check the bowls, plates and cups. If you find caribou hair that means there will be plenty of caribou. If you find hair of wild animal there will be good trapping season. If you find fish scale or bones there will be plenty of fish. It is ok if you do not find anything. It could be that you have everything you need.

Share your story…

We are looking for stories about Ezǫ nǫǫde (when spirits return) email [email protected] or call 867-392-3000 and ask for Rosa.

Here are examples of stories already shared:

• My sister Mazò told me that she used to see my mom and grandmother set the plates for those who had passed on.
• Rosa Mantla has good story … as a child she thought she would find cookies as a gift but there was no cookies in the plates
• This would be a great time to do genealogy …family, grandparents, relatives (aunts, uncles)

Forllowing  information was provided by Lucy Lafferty with input from Rosa Mantla, Jonas Lafferty, Jimmy Rabesca and Marie (Mazoo) Rabesca.