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Authentic. Immersive. Indigenous.

The Northwest Territories has been the homeland of Indigenous people for time immemorial. Here, ways of life and cultures are as old as the land itself.

Indigenous experiences are the enduring heart of the Northwest Territories’ timeless land and they make it as unique as the people who call it home. In all 33 communities across the territory, traditional ways of life and knowledge endure. The opportunity is here to experience something meaningful and memorable.

Take the time to listen to the legends and stories of the Aurora and then bask in the spectacular glow of our Northern Lights. Take an Indigenous tour out on the land in any season and hunt, fish, paddle, and learn how culture is preserved. Understand the relationship with the land and experience Northern nourishment from around the fire or at a community feast. You’ll never experience something as powerful as an authentic Indigenous tourism experience.

Indigenous Stories

Learn the legends of the Aurora. See a different way of life. Experience the territory through the words of those who know it best.
There's a deep connection between the Indigenous people of the NWT and the history of the land. Here, you can learn the wisdom of storytelling handed down through generations and move through the land with an Indigenous guide. It can be exciting or humbling, but the experience of listening and learning about the rich Indigenous culture and history is always memorable.
See All Stories

Aurora and our Culture

Connect with the Stories

Discover the deep timeless connection between the Aurora and the people of the NWT. The Indigenous cultures of the North have lived under and experienced Aurora more than anyone, and the combined experience of watching Northern Lights while learning about their cultural significance is a magical and memorable experience.

Learn the Legends of the Aurora

Indigenous Art

A unique mix of traditional techniques and modern styles

You can find amazing Indigenous art in communities across the territory. Get inspired by the North’s natural beauty and find art with a meaningful connection to the land and the history of the people who call it home.

Discover Art with a Deep Connection

Indigenous Tours

Experience the NWT, guided by those who know it best

Immerse yourself in genuine Indigenous culture. Get hands-on experience out on the land. Indigenous-owned tours and experiences will show you a completely unique side of Canada.

Learn More about a living connection to the land

Centuries of Culture

From the Arctic Ocean to the 60th Parallel, vibrant cultures thrive

Indigenous Peoples Day is a holiday in the NWT. It provides an opportunity to learn about the different cultures in the NWT that are as diverse as the land itself. In every community, you’ll interact with a rich tapestry of peoples, practices, celebrations, songs, dances, stories, art, and knowledge. Every experience is different, but the lasting sense of connection is the same.

Connect on Indigenous Peoples Day

Packages

This is the opportunity you've been waiting for to see the Northwest Territories from the perspective of those who know it best.
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Indigenous Videos

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Traditional Crafts in the NWT

Watch the masterful hands of a traditional Indigenous artist working to turn a piece of soapstone into a spectacular soapstone carving using modern tools and traditional techniques. Discover the wide world of Indigenous art in the spectacular Northwest Territories.

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Indigenous Stories: Bobby Norwegian

Bobby Norwegian is the owner-operator of Tah-Chay Adventures based in Fort Simpson, Northwest Territories, Canada. Bobby shares the traditional ways his Dene culture has thrived in the Dehcho (Big River) region, along the Mackenzie River.

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Bannock: The Northwest Territories' Comfort Food

Bannock has been a northern favourite for centuries. Its ingredients are basic - water, flour, baking soda and lard, plus sugar or salt, depending on whether you want dinner or dessert. Classic bannock has a smoky, almost nutty flavour blended with a buttery taste, while dessert bannock can have flavours resembling a donut or shortbread.

From Real World Travellers