Elder Gerry Attachie
Gerry Attachie was born in a teepee on October 19th, 1948 in Syphon Creek, BC. He is proud to be a part of what was known as the Fort St. John Beaver Band and is Tsáá? ché ne dane. In 1977, the Band was split into the Doig River First Nation and Blueberry River First Nation. Gerry is the grandson of Chief Attachie who signed treaty in 1900 and proudly states that he is, “a part of the history here.”
In 1974, Gerry entered community leadership and played an active role for nearly 45 years. He attended post-secondary as a young man to obtain leadership training, which he found to be helpful as he navigated initiating historical agreements on behalf of his community. Gerry credits his responsibilities in leadership for helping him to maintain a sober lifestyle.
Gerry is adamant that friendship and community are the most important things in life. He takes great joy in encouraging young people and offering them support in their journey. In relation to this he says, “for a good cause, I’ll walk with him.”
He is a firm believer that education is important for the next generation. Gerry hopes to see more Indigenous professionals with an understanding of cultural values. He teaches Dane Zaa language classes and shares stories to help pass on lessons he has learned throughout his lifetime. An excellent hunter and trapper, he holds knowledge of the land and how it has changed overtime.
Gerry wants to speak about positive uplifting things and is a living timeline of Dane Zaa history in the region.
* Biography courtesy of Northern Lights College