List of historic places in the Northwest Territories facts for kids
The Northwest Territories (NWT) is a huge and beautiful part of Canada. It's full of amazing history, from ancient Indigenous cultures to early European explorers and settlers. This article will tell you about some of the special places in the NWT that are protected because of their history. These are called historic places. They help us remember important events, people, and ways of life from the past.
These historic places are listed on the Canadian Register of Historic Places. This means they are recognized as important by the government, whether they are federal (national), provincial (territorial), or municipal (local). Exploring these sites helps us understand how the NWT became the place it is today!
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Discovering Historic Places in the Northwest Territories
Important Sites in the Sahtu Region
- Sahoyúé-§ehdacho National Historic Site
This special place is found near Grizzly Bear Mountain and Scented Grass Hills. It's important to the Sahtu Dene people. For thousands of years, they have used this land for hunting, fishing, and spiritual practices. It's a place where their history and culture are deeply connected to the land.
- Déline Fishery / Franklin's Fort
Located in Deline, this site tells two important stories. First, it was a traditional fishing spot for the Deline First Nation. Second, it was where Sir John Franklin and his crew built a fort in the 1820s during their Arctic explorations. It shows how Indigenous life and European exploration met in this area.
In Fort Good Hope, you'll find this beautiful old church. It was built a long time ago, starting in 1865, and is known for its amazing decorations inside. It's one of the oldest churches in the NWT and shows the history of missions in the North.
Historic Forts and Settlements
- Fort McPherson National Historic Site
This site in Fort McPherson was an important trading post for the Hudson's Bay Company. It was a meeting place for traders and Indigenous people, especially the Gwich'in First Nation. It played a big role in the fur trade history of the North.
- Fort Reliance
The area around Fort Reliance has several historic buildings. These include old weather stations and an ice house. These buildings show how people lived and worked in remote areas, often supporting scientific research and travel in the early days. The main Fort Reliance site itself was another important trading post and exploration base.
- Fort Resolution National Historic Site
Fort Resolution is one of the oldest European settlements in the NWT. It was a key trading post for both the North West Company and the Hudson's Bay Company. It's a place where different cultures met and traded for centuries.
- Ehdaa
In Fort Simpson, Ehdaa is a significant cultural site. It's a traditional gathering place for the Dehcho First Nations. It has been used for ceremonies and meetings for a very long time, showing the deep roots of Indigenous culture in the area.
- Historic Buildings in Fort Simpson
Fort Simpson also has several other historic buildings like the Faille Cabin, Old Barn, Hudson's Bay Company Shed, Lafferty House, and McPherson House. These buildings give us a peek into the daily lives of people who lived and worked in this important community during the fur trade era and beyond.
- Fort Smith Mission
Located in Fort Smith, this mission site includes several buildings that were part of a large mission complex. It shows the history of religious orders and their work in education and healthcare in the North.
Northern Exploration and Indigenous Heritage
- Warden's Patrol Cabin
This cabin is found in Wood Buffalo National Park. It was used by park wardens to patrol and protect this huge wilderness area. It represents the history of conservation efforts in Canada's largest national park.
- Hay River Mission Sites
Near the Hay River Reserve, these sites are important for understanding the history of missions and their impact on the local Indigenous communities.
- Kittigazuit Archaeological Sites
These sites are located in the Mackenzie Delta near Inuvik. They are very old archaeological sites that show how the Inuvialuit people lived in this Arctic region for thousands of years. They provide clues about their hunting, fishing, and cultural practices.
- Parry's Rock Wintering Site
On Melville Island, this site marks where Sir William Edward Parry and his crew spent the winter during their search for the Northwest Passage in the early 1800s. It's a reminder of the challenging Arctic explorations.
- Nagwichoonjik
This site near Tsiigehtchic is the traditional name for the Mackenzie River in the Gwich'in language. It's a culturally important place that highlights the deep connection between the Gwich'in people and the river, which has been their highway and lifeblood for generations.
- Old Anglican Church of Tulita
In Tulita, this old church is another example of early mission work in the North. It reflects the history of European influence and the spread of Christianity in Indigenous communities.
Yellowknife's Historic Buildings
Yellowknife, the capital of the NWT, has many historic buildings that tell the story of its gold rush past and development.
- Bank of Toronto
This old bank building on Otto Drive shows the early financial history of Yellowknife when it was a booming mining town.
- Hudsons Bay Warehouse
On Wiley Road, this warehouse was part of the important Hudson's Bay Company operations in Yellowknife, supporting trade and supplies for the growing community.
Also on Wiley Road, this building represents the general stores and trading posts that were essential for early Yellowknife residents.
- Wildcat Cafe
This famous cafe on Wiley Road is one of Yellowknife's oldest buildings. It was a popular spot for miners and residents and is still a beloved landmark today.
- Canadian Pacific Air Float Base
Located on Wiley Road, this site was an important base for float planes, which were crucial for transportation and connecting Yellowknife to other parts of the North.
- Fireweed Studio
This studio on 49th Avenue shows the artistic and cultural development of Yellowknife.
The old post office on Franklin Avenue was a central hub for communication and mail delivery in the early days of the city.
- School House
This historic school house on Franklin Avenue reminds us of the early efforts to provide education in Yellowknife.
This cemetery in Yellowknife is the final resting place for many of the city's early pioneers and residents, telling stories of their lives and contributions.
Other Important Territorial Sites
- Whalers' Graves
Found in Balaena Bay on the Parry Peninsula, these graves belong to whalers from the 19th and early 20th centuries. They are a reminder of the whaling industry that once operated in the Arctic waters.
- Pokiak Territorial Historic Site
Across the Peel Channel from Aklavik, this site is important to the local Indigenous people. It represents their long history and connection to the land in this region.
- Teetshik Goghaa (Old Arctic Red) Territorial Historic Site
Located on the east bank of the Mackenzie River downstream from Tsiigehtchic, this site is the original location of the community of Arctic Red River. It holds deep historical and cultural significance for the Gwich'in people.
- Nataiinlaii (Eight Miles) Territorial Historic Site
This site is eight miles up the Peel River from Fort McPherson. It's a place of historical importance for the Gwich'in people, likely a traditional camp or gathering area.
- Nagwichoo tshik (Mouth of the Peel)
This site is located at the mouth of the Peel River, downstream from Fort McPherson. It's another significant cultural and historical site for the Gwich'in, marking a key point along their traditional travel routes.
- Old Fort Providence
Found in Wool Bay on Great Slave Lake, this is the original location of Fort Providence. Like other forts, it was a vital trading post and community hub in the early history of the NWT.
See also
