About Dene Way Adventures
Dene Way Adventures is owned and operated by Herman Gahdële.
Dene Way offers land-based trips and cultural learning rooted in Łutsël K’é Dene knowledge, language, and teachings. We operate primarily in Thaidene Nëné (the East Arm of Great Slave Lake), with departures also available from Yellowknife, on Chief Drygeese Territory (Yellowknives Dene First Nation). Anneka provides planning and booking support.
Herman wants to create safe, respectful opportunities for people to experience the land through the Dene worldview he learned from his grandparents, family, and Elders. Having grown up traditionally on the land, he looks forward to taking people out, sharing his knowledge, and spending time together on the water, on the land, and along the winter trails.
If you’re looking for a day on the water or a longer time on the land, please reach out to us.
Meet Herman Gahdële
Owner, Knowledge Holder & Lead Guide
Herman Gahdële is a proud member of the Łutsël K’é Dene First Nation and a Traditional Dene Knowledge Holder. Raised on the land by his grandparents, Jean-Batiste (JB) and LeMaree (Marie) Catholique, he travelled ancestral trails in Thaidene Nëné — following the caribou, eating whitefish, trapping white fox, and travelling by dog team under the moonlight.
Throughout this life, Herman has learned about the animals, weather, stories, and spiritual places that have cared for Dene people since time immemorial. Today, he is a respected hunter, who shares his knowledge with visitors, youth, and community members.
“Every season has something amazing for you. Elders used to say, there is beauty that no eye sees — the in-between-seasons. In the summer we get to taste sweetness with jìe (berries). It’s still here, we just have to go.”
— Herman
Meet Anneka Westergreen
Guest Support & Trip Planning
Anneka is a white settler, born and raised in the Northwest Territories, and a long-term guest in Chief Drygeese Territory (Yellowknives Dene First Nation).
Based in Yellowknife, she is the first point of contact for inquiries, planning support, and guest communications for Dene Way Adventures. Anneka has had the joy of travelling with Herman for several years, and is excited to speak with you about building your first Dene Way Adventure.
Please reach out with your hopes, ideas and questions!
Common Questions
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Herman makes travel very comfortable considering health breaks and travel comfort. However, this is an immersive, land-based experience — not a luxury glamping trip. Travel takes place by motor boat on Tu Nedhé (Great Slave Lake), and participants are expected to take part in camp life, including helping with setup, meals, and clean-up.
Guests experience world-class lake and land views, excellent fishing opportunities, and the chance to learn practical skills and Dene knowledge directly on the land. Accommodations include a wall tent with a wood stove, cots, sleeping bags, and an optional spruce-bough floor for guests who wish to learn and participate in traditional camp practices.
Facilities are basic, with no access to stores, running water, or cell service. This trip is best suited for people who are interested in participatory and shared experiences, value meaningful learning, and time on the land over modern amenities or constant comfort.
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Guests are responsible for bringing personal clothing and items suitable for variable northern weather and outdoor conditions. We recommend:
Warm layers (wool or fleece)
Waterproof jacket and pants
Sturdy hiking shoes or boots
Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
Personal toiletries and medications
Water bottle and favourite snacks
Personal battery packs to charge phones or cameras — for your incredible photos!
Optional: camera, binoculars, journal
Camping gear, meals, fishing equipment, PFDs, and safety communication devices are provided.
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Yes. All guests who plan to fish must purchase a valid Northwest Territories fishing license (territorial) before the trip. Fishing gear is provided, but licenses are the responsibility of the guest.
Fishing licenses can be purchased here:https://www.enr.gov.nt.ca/en/services/fishing-licencesIf your trip takes you into the Thaıdene Nëné National Park Reserve, you’ll need an additional federal fishing license.
Please bring a printed copy or a downloaded version on your phone.
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Weather on Tu Nedhé can change quickly. For safety reasons, trips may be adjusted, delayed, rerouted, rescheduled, or cancelled based on wind, waves, visibility, or other environmental conditions.
Safety decisions are made by the guide and are final. If conditions are unsafe for travel, we will communicate clearly and work with guests on next steps where possible. Guest safety always comes first.
If Dene Way cancels due to weather, the deposit is returned or credited at the guest’s choice. -
Guests typically arrive in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories by air. Once your trip is confirmed, you’ll receive detailed information about the meeting point and launch location, usually at a local dock or waterfront area.
Guests are responsible for arranging their own travel to Yellowknife. We’re happy to help with timing or planning questions.
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Yes. Travel insurance is strongly recommended, especially for remote and weather-dependent trips. Insurance can help cover unexpected delays, medical needs, evacuation, or trip interruptions. Guests are responsible for ensuring their insurance coverage is appropriate for remote travel.
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You’re always welcome to reach out to Anneka as your first point of contact before the trip. She’s happy to answer questions about logistics, packing, travel planning, and what to expect, and will loop in Herman as needed for specific questions related to the land, activities, or cultural protocols.
During the trip itself, Herman is always happy to answer questions and share teachings as they arise. Learning on the land often happens through listening, watching, spending time, and doing, and guests are encouraged to ask questions with care and curiosity.