The weather in the JMR area from the time of settlement until the 1970s was typically characterized with long and very cold winters, short cool springs, short and hot summers, and longer falls in comparison to the climate in the last 15-20 years.
Although the weather has always been unpredictable to a certain degree, the people of JMR, especially the Elders, usually knew when seasons started changing and when extreme weather events would occur well in advance of these changes or events happening. The people of JMR knew how to predict these changes based on the traditional knowledge (TK) that has accumulated over the generations of the Slavey people who have lived in this area. Observing the weather and anticipating how this will affect the environment and wildlife was an important aspect of our TK, as this was essential for our survival and for maintaining the health of our people physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally; as well as to maintain the health of the community and its culture.