Indigenous and community members from Tulita and Norman Wells recently gathered to herald the cultural and regional significance of the $16.5 million office and cultural centre being built for the Nááts’įhch’oh National Park Reserve.
“This is good for the people. Parks Canada has listened to the Elders and the community about what is important. It took time, but this new building shows how we can work together. This is a good day for our community,” Mayor Douglas Yallee of the Hamlet of Tulita stated in a release.
Nááts’įhch’oh National Park Reserve Office and Culture Centre concept image, front view – north face. (Image: Northern Front Studio)
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Rebecca Alty made the announcement, the first major investment since she was elected in late April.
“Today’s groundbreaking is an important next step for the Nááts’įhch’oh National Park Reserve,” said the NWT’s sole MP.
“The project will serve as a permanent space for community members to gather and provide a landmark destination to welcome visitors exploring this incredible region.
“This space will also enhance Parks Canada’s operational capacity to protect and present the natural and cultural heritage of this special place with the Nááts’įhch’oh National Park Reserve Management Committee.”
The ground-breaking event on June 6th coincided with Tulita community’s annual Fire Day, which commemorates the devastating 1995 wildfire, also celebrated community collaboration, cultural leadership, and shared stewardship.
Nááts’įhch’oh National Park Reserve Office and Culture Centre concept image, front view, southwest face. (Image: Northern Front Studio)
Located in the southwestern portion of the Sahtu Settlement, Nááts’įhch’oh National Park Reserve was established under the Canada National Parks Act in December 2014 is in the traditional lands of the Shúhtaot’ine (Mountain Dene).
The park is co-operatively managed by the Sahtu Dene and Métis of the Tulita District and Parks Canada through the Nááts’įhch’oh National Park Reserve Management Committee.
The management committee consists of representatives from Fort Norman Métis Community, Tulita Land Corporation, Tłegǫ́hłı̨ Got’įnę Government Incorporated, Parks Canada, and the Government of Northwest Territories.
The park is an important habitat for grizzly bear, Dall’s sheep, mountain goats, woodland caribou, and trumpeter swans.
The construction contract has been formally awarded to Northern Industrial Construction, based in Yellowknife, following a competitive solicitation process. The construction and management of the building will provide economic opportunities and benefits to Indigenous communities.
Parks Canada expects the administrative office space to open in fall 2026 with the cultural centre exhibition expected to be completed by spring 2027.
Nááts’įhch’oh National Park Reserve is named after Nááts’įhch’oh the mountain – a powerful place for the people of the Sahtu. Near the Yukon-Northwest Territories border, the park is in the traditional lands of the Shúhtaot’ine (Mountain Dene), and home to grizzly bear, Dall’s sheep, mountain goats, and woodland caribou. (Photo: Parks Canada)
