Nee Tahi Buhn

Nee-Tahi-Buhn is the name for Francois Lake, and means, "it fills at one end and empties at the other."

Nee Tahi Buhn Band is an independent band.The Nee Tahi Buhn Band is part of the Athapaskan language family.The Nee Tahi Buhn Band people speak the Wet’suwet’en dialect of the BulkleyValley/Lakes District langauge.

We participate in the balhats (potlatch ) system which is organized by matrilineal clans. It is our way to take care of business. Economic, social, judicial and spiritual activities revolve around the balhats.

The Clans of the Nee Tahi Buhn Band are Gilseyhu (Big Frog), Laksilyu (Small Frog), Gitdumden (Wolf/Bear), Laksamashu (Fireweed) and Tsayu (Beaver). In the feast hall the Laksamashu and Tsayu work together.

In 1960 the Decker Lake, Francois Lake, Maxim Lake and Skin Tyee Bands merged to form the Omineca Band. In 1984 the Omineca Band divided into the Nee-Tahi-Buhn and Broman Lake Bands. In 2000 the Skin Tyee Band seperated from the Nee Tahi Buhn Band. Nee Tahi Buhn Band was called the Francois Lake Tribe by the Federal Government.

R.R.#2, Site 7, Comp 28
Burns Lake, BC V0J 1E0
Phone: 250-694-3494
Fax: 250-694-3492
http://www.tricorp.ca/pages/villpgs/teetahi.html