History of the Northwest Territories

The history of the Northwest Territories stretches back thousands of years. Long before European settlers arrived, the lands we now call the Northwest Territories were home to many First Nations people who lived there for generations.

In the late 1500s, European explorers and fur traders began to visit the area. By the 1600s, Britain claimed control over the North-Western Territory and Rupert's Land, giving the Hudson's Bay Company exclusive rights to trade furs there.

In 1870, the United Kingdom passed the Deed of Surrender, transferring control of these lands to the government of Canada. At first, they were called the North-West Territories. The territory grew largest in 1880 when the British Arctic Territories joined it, but it was later reduced several times. Parts became the Yukon Territory in 1898, the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan in 1905, and sections went to Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec in 1912.

During the Cold War, more powers were given to the local government, and the capital moved from Ottawa to Yellowknife in 1967. By 1999, after discussions with the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, the eastern part of the Northwest Territories became a new territory called Nunavut.

Early history

Long before Europeans arrived, the land that is now the Northwest Territories was home to Inuit and First Nations peoples. These included the Mackenzie, Copper, Caribou, and Central nations, as well as the Yellowknives, Chipewyan, Sekani, Beaver, Nahanni, Dogrib, and Slavey.

In the 1570s, European explorer Martin Frobisher made the first recorded visit to the area. In 1610, Henry Hudson, searching for the Northwest Passage, landed on the western shore of Hudson Bay. His discovery opened the region to more exploration. Other early explorers included Luke Foxe, John Davis, Robert Bylot, Thomas Button, George Weymouth, Thomas James, and William Baffin.

In 1670, King Charles II granted a charter to the Hudson's Bay Company, which began trading for furs. By the 1700s, two main fur-trading companies operated in the area: the Hudson's Bay Company from London and the North West Company from Montréal. Explorers like Peter Pond and Samuel Hearne traveled through the region, reaching the Arctic Ocean. The Hudson's Bay Company and the North West Company competed for furs, often working with First Nations peoples who helped guide them and provided furs for trade.

Canadian Confederation and the late 19th century

After the Deed of Surrender, the United Kingdom gave the lands of Rupert's Land and the North-Western Territory to the government of Canada. But, the areas could not join Canada right away because of issues around the Red River Colony. Finally, most of these lands became part of Canada on July 15, 1870, as the North-West Territories. The area around the Red River Colony became the province of Manitoba.

In 1880, Canada also took control of the British Arctic Territories and added them to the North-West Territories.

Late 19th century

The first government of the North-West Territories met in 1872. It first met at Fort Livingstone in 1876, then moved to Battleford in 1878. The first election happened in 1881, and French was no longer an official language in 1892.

During this time, the borders of the territories changed many times. In 1886, the border of the District of Keewatin was adjusted. In 1889, some land between Manitoba and Ontario went to Ontario. In 1898, after many people went to the Klondike Gold Rush, the Yukon area left the North-West Territories and became its own Yukon Territory.

Treaty No. 8

In June 1899, talks began for Treaty No. 8, covering a huge area of 840,000 square kilometres in the North-West Territories. This treaty was between the Canadian Government and the Dene people. In exchange for sharing their land, the Dene would get medical care, schools, and payments. The treaty was signed in 1900 at Fort Resolution by the Canadian Government and Dene groups, including the Yellowknives.

20th century

In 1901, the borders of Yukon Territory changed, gaining area from the North-West Territories. Alberta and Saskatchewan separated from the territories in 1905. The population dropped from about 160,000 to 17,000, with many being Indigenous people who could not vote under Canadian law. The government of the North-West Territories returned to its 1870 status and came under control from Ottawa.

In 1906, the official name changed to "Northwest Territories". On May 15, 1912, parts of the Northwest Territories were given to Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec.

Oil was discovered in the Mackenzie River Valley in the 1930s. This led to discussions about new treaties, and Treaty No. 11 was signed in 1921 by Tłı̨chǫ leaders. In 1925, Canada extended its maritime boundaries to the North Pole, increasing the size of the Northwest Territories to 3.3 million km².

During World War II, uranium was extracted from mines in the Northwest Territories for important scientific projects. Many American military and civilian personnel came to the region to help build roads and infrastructure.

After the war, Yellowknife became the capital of the Northwest Territories in 1967. In the 1970s and 1980s, the government became more elected by local people. In 1999, part of the Northwest Territories became a new area called Nunavut.

In summer 2023, many wildfires caused big problems. About 70% of the territory’s people had to leave their homes, including most of Yellowknife’s people, as the fires came very close to the city.