In response, Mr. Neyelle told me the water-heart story, about a Sahtuto’ine ancestor who lived around Great Bear Lake, in an area called Caribou Point. When the fisherman saw the water-heart, he realized Great Bear Lake was alive, Mr. Neyelle said. For the Sahtuto’ine, this belief underscores not only why Great Bear Lake must be protected, but also why its protection is of global importance. “When there is no food or water all around the world, many will come to Great Bear Lake,” he said. PhotoIrene Kodakin was born near Port Radium in 1952, when the mine was still in operation.

Source: New York Times February 07, 2017 10:01 UTC