A long-awaited feast
The Northern Territory's smallest indigenous community celebrates their sacred land after a three-year drought


Tributary rivers leading into Tathlina Lake, the traditional hunting ground — and culturally important land — of the Kakisa Dene First Nation.
(Pat Kane)The region is rich in resources and the Kakisa Dene land, called Ka-agee Tu, or "Between the willows," has been sought after by mining companies for decades. The Kakisa Dene are wor

Anita Chicot cuts firewood.
(Pat Kane)The harvest is also an opportunity for the elders to pass the community's traditions onto the next generation. "In that sense," Kane said, "this harvest is about cultural preservati

Kakisa Dene chief Lloyd Chicot and his nephew Tarek look for moose along the shore.
(Pat Kane)

Lloyd Chicot and Dawson Landry help pull a recently hunted moose to shore so that it can be quartered.
(Pat Kane)

Lloyd and Anita Chicot boat along a tributary river to their traditional hunting camp.
(Pat Kane)

Merisa Elleze and Rosie Canadien share a laugh after looking for grouse and berries on a nearby island.
(Pat Kane)

Moose meat is smoked in a makeshift teepee while hunter Julien Canadien checks on the progress.
(Pat Kane)

The jawbone of a moose is cooked over a camp fire to loosen the marrow inside.
(Pat Kane)

Tarek Chicot, a 14-year-old hunter, hauls a beaver into his boat. The meat will be used for stew and the pelt used for winter clothing.
(Pat Kane)

Elder Gabe Chicot washes his hands of moose blood.
(Pat Kane)

George Simba sits by the fire at the hunting camp.
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