Violet Doolittle, was born and raised in the bush before moving to Tulita for school at age eight. 

“I loved the land,” she said, explaining how her father began taking her hunting when she was just six years old. Spending her childhood deeply connected to the land with her family developed her traditional knowledge. For example, she said, her father taught her the importance of sustainable hunting practices, such as not overhunting and not killing female animals so they can reproduce.

Her family moved to Norman Wells in 1962, and later in life, she settled in Yellowknife in 2012 after living in various regions, including the Sahtu and the Beaufort Delta. She spent nearly 50 years with her husband before he passed away, and together they had five children.

Throughout her life, Violet has maintained a strong bond with the land, learning that the land provides and cares for the people who spend time on the land and who protect the land. 

“I've learned that we are so energized and we protect it because it gives us a lot,” she explained.

Violet's career includes 22 years as an alcohol and drug counselor. Although she retired in 2006, she continued to pursue personal development and learning. Her dedication to community service is evident in her long tenure on the Sahtu Land and Water Board, where she has served since 1999. At 81 years old in 2024, Violet said she’s still committed to learning more and sharing her knowledge.

Her appointment to the board came through the land corporation in Norman Wells, where her fluency in the North Slavey language and knowledge of the land were highly valued. Over the years, Violet has participated in numerous projects related to land use permits and water licenses, focusing on ensuring that land is used responsibly. She has traveled extensively, visiting various communities and even undergoing training in oil and gas fields to better understand the impact of industrial activities on the environment.

“My highlight is making sure that the land use is being used properly,” she said.

She emphasized the importance of protecting the land, particularly in the face of challenges such as wildfires that threaten wildlife and habitats. Her connection to the land remains strong, as she continues to participate in traditional activities, such as hunting and attending moose and geese camps.