Thebacha

Thebacha is the traditional name given to the town of Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, Canada, by the Dene people who have inhabited the area for centuries. It translates to "beside the rapids" or "at the rapids," referring to the series of rapids on the Slave River that made the location a significant transportation hub and meeting place. These rapids, now bypassed by a portage route, were historically important for travel and trade, both for Indigenous peoples and later for European fur traders. The name Thebacha highlights the geographical significance of Fort Smith and its historical connection to the Slave River's unique ecosystem. Today, the name Thebacha continues to be used alongside Fort Smith to acknowledge and respect the area's Indigenous heritage.