$16.5M investment in Nááts’įhch’oh National Park Reserve centre in N.W.T.
Construction of a new cultural centre for Nááts’įhch’oh National Park Reserve in N.W.T. officially kicked off on Friday with a groundbreaking ceremony and a $16.5 million federal investment, a milestone that the town’s mayor hailed as the culmination of years of hard work and community effort.
“This is good for the people,” Douglas Yallee, Tulita’s mayor said in a statement. “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.”
The new funding will come through Parks Canada’s National Park Establishment program.
The new office and cultural centre for the Nááts’įhch’oh National Park Reserve will serve as an exhibition space, a place to house local Parks Canada operations, a visitors’ hub—especially for travellers along the Mackenzie River—and a community space for events and gatherings.
- 4,895 square kilometres in size
- The reserve is Canada’s 44th national park
- Nááts’įhch’oh and Nahanni national park reserves protect 86% of the South Nahanni watershed.
Source: Parks Canada
“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,” Rebecca Alty, Canada’s Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations said.
“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.”
Boosting tourism, job creation
The government announced that infrastructure improvements at the Nááts’įhch’oh National Park Reserve will enhance opportunities for both visitors and community members to connect with the natural and cultural heritage of the Sahtu region. It also described the project as a key step in promoting economic development, boosting tourism, and creating jobs in the region.
“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,” Minister of Parks Canada Steven Guilbeault said.
Nááts’įhch’oh National Park Reserve, which was formally established in 2014, is co-managed by the Sahtu Dene and Métis of the Tulita District and Parks Canada.
The park, which spans the traditional lands of the Shúhtaot’ine (Mountain Dene), is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to species such as grizzly bears, caribou, and mountain goats. Together with Nahanni National Park Reserve, the park helps protect a significant portion of the South Nahanni River watershed.
“This project is an exciting example of how conservation, economic development, and sustainable design can blend together.”
The contract for the project was awarded to Yellowknife-based Northern Industrial Construction.
The new centre is expected to open its doors in fall 2026, with the cultural exhibition to be completed by spring 2027.
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