YELLOWKNIFE (December 3, 2014) – A new book documents the history of the Mackenzie River, the people of the region and the crossing at Fort Providence.

Bridging the Dehcho explores the ancient history of the region and describes the arrival of Sir Alexander Mackenzie, the fur traders and missionaries. It describes the construction of the Mackenzie Highway and tells the stories of the crews who built the ice bridge and ran the ferries for over 50 years before the Deh Cho Bridge was opened. The book also documents the evolution and construction of the bridge project and paints a portrait of the community of Fort Providence.

“The Mackenzie River and the people in the region surrounding the Deh Cho are important parts of our heritage,” said Minister of Transportation Tom Beaulieu. “Long before highways were built through the NWT, the river provided a critical connection for cultural and economic activities. We carry on that tradition today and we tell the stories of those who worked along the crossing.”

The 92-page, full-colour hardcover book has been over three years in the making, with principal photography and writing by Yellowknife author Bill Braden. It was commissioned and published by the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT).

“It’s a story that anyone who has ever sailed on the ferries or driven the ice bridge will enjoy,” said Braden. “It was part of the way we lived for over 50 years. And now with the completion of the bridge, it’s a book the visitor will also enjoy.”

Strategic investments in the Deh Cho Bridge and other transportation infrastructure support economic growth and improve GNWT services in communities. Since it opened on November 29, 2012, the Deh Cho Bridge has provided year-round access to the territory’s capital, strengthening northerners’ connections to each other and the rest of Canada.

Bridging the Dehcho will be for sale at several retail outlets. Braden will be signing the book on December 3 in Fort Providence and on December 6-7 at the Northern Frontier Visitors Centre and Book Cellar in Yellowknife.

Media inquiries:

Megan Holsapple
Manager, Communications and Public Affairs
Department of Transportation
Tel: (867) 873-7712
Email: megan_holsapple@gov.nt.ca

Bill Braden
Tel: (867) 445-8953
Email: billbradenphoto@gmail.com