Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre
Welcome to our home. It is Tr’ëhudè – our traditional law – to care for those who travel these lands with us.
– Elder Angie Joseph-Rear 2017
Our name Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in tells the story of our ancestral occupation of the ancient site Tr’ochëk. Tr’o refers to a special rock - hammer rock- used to drive salmon weir stakes into the river bed. Ndëk is a water way or river. Hwëch’in means people or dwellers. Literally translated it means people who live at the mouth of the Klondike River. New comers to our land heard Tr’ondëk and changed it to Klondike.
We welcome visitors at the Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre (the longtime ago house) situated across the street on the bank of the Yukon River. Come be our guest and meet our people- we have a story to tell.
Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre is the gateway to Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in heritage. The Centre is a meeting place for cultural activities, performances and special events that celebrate our traditions and how we live today.
Dänojà Zho is open year round with visitor programs and activities in the summer season. From May to September, we provide guided tours of the Hammerstone Gallery to share our perspective on the gold rush era. Each summer the Gathering Room hosts a new exhibition that reflects our vibrant and rich culture. Visitors can share in our pride by participating in our river walk tours, topical displays, art shows and a wide variety of film presentations.
The Dänojà Zho gift shop specializes in unique hand-made clothing, beaded footwear and jewellery. We carry a large selection of music, art and books that reflect and celebrate First Nation culture.