The Northwest Territories (NWT) is a vast and sparsely populated region in northern Canada, known for its stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage. The area of the territory is 1,346,106 square kilometers (519,735 square miles), making it the third-largest region in Canada.[1] As of 2024, the estimated population is 45,602.[2] The economy of the Northwest Territories is heavily reliant on natural resources. The private industrial sector includes significant diamond mining operations.[3] Currently, the NWT is the third largest diamond producer in the world accounting for 17 percent of the NWT’s 2013 GDP and projected to grow to 31 percent by 2018.[4] The Northwest Territories harbours vast reserves of petroleum resources. During 2021 over 2 million barrels of total aggregate oil and over 2 billion ft3 of total aggregate natural gas production were produced.[5] Fishing, hunting, harvesting, and trapping by the Aboriginal peoples contribute to the local economy.[6] The Northwest Territories is home to several national and territorial parks that showcase its natural beauty including:[7]
- Nahanni National Park Reserve: Known for the South Nahanni River and Virginia Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site,
- Wood Buffalo National Park the largest national park in Canada, spanning parts of Alberta and the NWT.
- Aulavik National Park located on Banks Island, known for its pristine Arctic environment.
- Nááts’ihch’oh National Park Reserve featuring rugged mountains and clear rivers.
- Thaidene Nëné National Park Reserve protects the East Arm of Great Slave Lake.
- Tuktut Nogait National Park is known for its tundra landscape and wildlife.
The NWT offers a range of additional attractions for visitors:
- Great Slave Lake is the deepest lake in North America and offers a variety of fishing, boating, and stunning views.
- The Mackenzie River is the longest river system in Canada, and is ideal for boating and fishing.
- Inuvik is a town known for its unique Arctic culture and the annual Great Northern Arts Festival.
History of the Northwest TerritoriesHistory of the Northwest Territories
The original inhabitants of the area who prefer to be called First Nations, were primarily Dene, with some Cree. They speak the following languages or dialects: Cree, Gwichya Gwich'in, Teetlit Gwich'in, North Slavey, South Slavey, Tlı̨chǫ, Dënesųłıné, Wıı̀lıı̀deh Yatıı̀, and Tetsǫ́t’ıné Yatıé. The Northwest Territories also has large Inuvialuit and Métis populations.[8]
The first recorded European exploration of the area now designated as the Northwest Territories was by Martin Frobisher in the 1570s, followed by Henry Hudson in 1610.[9] These early expeditions were primarily driven by the search for the Northwest Passage. The fur trade became a major economic activity in the 17th century, with the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) establishing a commercial monopoly over the region.[10]
The Northwest Territories were formally established on July 15, 1870, when Canada acquired Rupert’s Land and the North-Western Territory from the Hudson’s Bay Company.[11] Initially, the region was governed through Manitoba’s lieutenant-governor in Winnipeg, but it lacked the population and infrastructure to attain provincial status.[12] The North-West Territories Act of 1875 provided the region with its own government institutions.[12]
The economy of the NWT has historically been driven by natural resources. The fur trade dominated the early economy, with the HBC and the North West Company establishing numerous trading posts in the 18th and 19th centuries.[11] The discovery of gold in the Yukon in 1896 and subsequent mineral exploration in the NWT led to increased economic activity.[13] In the 20th century, the development of the diamond mining industry became a significant economic driver.[14]
Agriculture in the NWT has been limited due to the harsh climate and permafrost. However, community gardens and small-scale farming have existed since the early 20th century, often supported by missionaries.[15] In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in local food production, with initiatives ranging from community gardens to commercial greenhouses.[16]
Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the NWT underwent several boundary changes. The creation of the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan in 1905, and the establishment of the Yukon Territory in 1898, significantly reduced the size of the NWT.[12] The capital was moved to Yellowknife in 1967,[17] and in 1999, the eastern portion of the NWT was separated to form the new territory of Nunavut.[18]
Demographics of the Northwest TerritoriesDemographics of the Northwest Territories
The demographic distribution of the Northwest Territories population is as follows:[19]
There are 10 major ethnic groups living in the Northwest Territories. First Nations make up the largest group, comprising over 36% of the total population. For Nunavut, the biggest word is "Inuit," representing 83.9% of all single and multiple ethnic or cultural origin responses in this territory. The other ethnic or cultural origins reported most often are "Scottish," 5.7%; "Irish," 4.3%; "English," 3.8%; "Canadian," 2.8%; and "French," 2.4%.[20]
Most common surnames in the Northwest TerritoriesMost common surnames in the Northwest Territories
Researching family history in the Northwest TerritoriesResearching family history in the Northwest Territories
The Northwest Territory Archives' mission is to identify, acquire, make accessible, and preserve unpublished records that document the history of the territory. Additional records are available from the Library and Archives of Canada and the Hudson's Bay Company Archives. The small population limits the availability of additional resources.
Northwest Territory regions and communitiesNorthwest Territory regions and communities
Explore more about the Northwest TerritoriesExplore more about the Northwest Territories
MyHeritage.com has 95 genealogically valuable records about Canada in the Canada Collection Catalog. Many of these collections will include records from the Northwest Territories such as the Canadian Census Records and the Canadian Newspaper collections.
References
- ↑ Northwest Territories | History, Facts, Map, & Flag | Britannica
- ↑ Northwest Territory Population 2024
- ↑ Diamonds
- ↑ Northwest Territories
- ↑ Northwest Territories 2021 Oil and Gas Annual Report
- ↑ Your Canada Northwest Territories
- ↑ National Parks in the Northwest Territories
- ↑ First Nations in the Northwest Territories
- ↑ Northwest Territories
- ↑ Hudson's Bay Company
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 Northwest Territories and Confederation
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 North-West Territories (1870–1905)
- ↑ The Operational History of Mines in the Northwest Territories, Canada (2009)
- ↑ Northwest Territories - Indigenous, Arctic, Canada | Britannica
- ↑ Profile: NWT Agriculture Sector
- ↑ Towards an: NORTHWEST TERRITORIES AGRICULTURE STRATEGY What we Learned
- ↑ History of Yellowknife | Yellowknife Historical Society
- ↑ The Creation of Nunavut - Canada's History
- ↑ Northwest Territory Population 2024
- ↑ Most common ethnic or cultural origins reported in the territories
- ↑ 21.0 21.1 Communities