Dot Lake

For most people, Dot Lake is a sign on the road in a remote area somewhere between Delta Junction and Tok.

It would have been that for us as well had it not been for a Census assignment last year. During that time, I (Brent) met William Miller who serves as the Dot Lake Village Council President. Though he is not native to the community, he married into the community many decades ago and has become a respected leader over the years.

I called him up and asked if he would be willing to show us around Dot Lake. He was quite willing to do so, and even printed up a 50+ page paper on the history and culture of the place and people of Dot Lake. Here he is showing us the former home of Dot Lake's beloved matriarch, a woman who lived to be nearly 100 years old. William was married to her daughter.

Here is the Village Hall, a place of gathering for the community, especially for the potlatches which are held after a loved one dies or in order to celebrate a significant life event. Notice the pictures on the wall. They are the pictures of Dot Lake elders who have died. On the left are the native (Athabaskan) elders. On the right are the non-native elders.