NWT MP, the Honourable Rebecca Alty announced a $16.5 million investment under Parks Canada’s National Park Establishment program towards the building of a new office and cultural centre for the Nááts’įhch’oh National Park Reserve in the Sahtu.
NT Parks Canada and the federal government said the investment is about creating economic opportunities and benefits for Indigenous communities while helping to protect their traditional and ancestral lands.
“The government is committed to supporting northern communities across Canada, including the Sahtu Region. Today’s groundbreaking is an important next step for the Nááts’įhch’oh National Park Reserve. 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,” said the Honourable Rebecca Alty, who is the minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, in the announcement Friday.
Nááts’įhch’oh National Park Reserve is in the traditional lands of the Shúhtaot’ine (Mountain Dene). Sahtu Dene and Métis community members of the Tulita District and members of the federal and territorial governments helped create the Park, formally established under the Canada National Parks Act in December 2014.
The Nááts’įhch’oh National Park Reserve is overseen by the Sahtu Dene and Métis of the Tulita District and Parks Canada through the Nááts’įhch’oh National Park Reserve Management Committee. The committee includes representatives from Fort Norman Métis Community, Tulita Land Corporation, Tłegǫ́hłı̨ Got’įnę Government Incorporated, Parks Canada and the GNWT.
“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,” said Tulita Mayor Douglas Yallee.
The creation of what Parks Canada said will be a “landmark building” is part of a special commitment in the Nááts’įhch’oh National Park Reserve and will include a cultural centre exhibition.
Parks Canada said the location will also be its primary operations base for the park site.
“The ground-breaking event coincided with Tulita community’s annual “Fire Day,” which commemorates the devastating 1995 wildfire, also celebrated community collaboration, cultural leadership, and shared stewardship. Indigenous and community members from Tulita and Norman Wells gathered to speak of the cultural and regional significance of this long-anticipated milestone,” said a Parks Canada rep in an announcement this week.
“The office and cultural centre will be a place for connection and cultural discovery, provide a space for community members to gather, facilitate meaningful visitor experiences, welcome Mackenzie River paddlers, and to share the rich history of the Sahtu Dene and Métis,” they added.
The building will also house Parks Canada’s operational facility.
Parks Canada said that this investment in infrastructure for the Nááts’įhch’oh National Park Reserve will benefit the community of Tulita by cultivating local economic development, propelling the tourism sector, and increasing job creation. They said infrastructure developments in the Nááts’įhch’oh National Park Reserve will bring “high-quality and meaningful experiences” for visitors and community members, and help them to recognize the cultural heritage of the Sahtu region.
“Nááts’įhch’oh National Park Reserve is a majestic keystone in the Canada-wide network of protected areas. The government is committed to working in collaboration with Indigenous peoples and local communities to safeguard the rich cultural and natural heritage of this special place. Today marks a major milestone, with the construction of the office and cultural centre now underway. This vibrant, modern space will not only unlock economic opportunities in the region and deliver benefits to Indigenous businesses, it also reflects our shared commitment to protecting the environment. This project is an exciting example of how conservation, economic development, and sustainable design can blend together, and I salute all those who have worked to bring this vision to life,” said the Honourable Steven Guilbeault in the announcement.
True North FM reached out to Parks Canada for more details about the initiative and will share those once they become available.
