Our Language

The Hän language, spoken by the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation and the Hän people in Eagle, Alaska, is a testament to the resilience and cultural richness of its people. As the traditional language of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in, Hän has faced significant challenges since the 1800s, particularly during the Gold Rush and the era of Residential Schools. In a visionary move, Chief Isaac, the leader of the Hän people during the Gold Rush, relocated the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in to Moosehide village and entrusted relatives in Alaska with the preservation of Hän songs and dances. The efforts to rediscover and revive the language gained momentum in the 1980s and 1990s, with elders and citizens embracing their linguistic heritage. This cultural renaissance saw relatives from Eagle, Alaska, visiting Moosehide to share traditional songs and dances, sparking the biennial Moosehide Gathering. Today, as part of the Hän linguistic grouping, we celebrate a heritage rich in traditional knowledge, passed down through generations, enabling us to thrive in the challenging Yukon environment.