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Saoyú and ?ehdacho are two peninsulas at the western end
of Great Bear Lake. They are part of a National Historic Site
(about 5500 square kilometres) known as Grizzly Bear Mountain/Scented
Grass Hills. This is an area of significant spiritual and
historic importance to the people of Déline, who were involved
in creation of the park.
In Slavey, Saoyú means "where the bear lived".
?ehdacho means "large point". The stories linked to
these lands help to define the culture of the people, and
preserving the landscape helps to preserve the traditions
of the people of Déline.
 Saoyú rises about 569 metres above the lake, and has excellent
woodland caribou winter habitat. Wildlife includes moose,
barrenland and woodland caribou, marten, beaver and some mink.
Whitefish migrate and spawn on the northern edge of the area.
?ehdacho rises 494 metres, and is covered by spruce forest,
and numerous small ponds. Marten and moose are common, as
well as caribou, mink, marten, beaver, muskrat, lynx and white
fox. There are fascinating beach ridges at both sites, the
undisturbed remains of the ancient shoreline.
Yámoriyá
The story of Yámoriyá is a significant part of the history
of many Dene groups. He is responsible for making the laws
Dene live by, and he made the land safe for people to live
in. One story associated with Great Bear Lake tells of how
Yámoriyá chased the dangerous Giant Beavers out of the lake.
The story links several local landmarks, which can be visited
with a local guide, who will recount some of the stories.
Fort Franklin
Fort Franklin plays a part in the history of the fur trade
and European exploration in the North. This was the wintering
site for a group headed by Sir John Franklin, who, starting
in 1825, mapped part of the Arctic coast of Canada. Fort Franklin,
across from the hotel, is a national Historic Site. The Sahtu
Dene supplied the post with food and guided the mapmakers
during their stay from 1825 to 1827.
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