The Northwest Territories (NWT) are one of Canada's three territories, alongside the Yukon and Nunavut. Unlike provinces, territories exercise powers delegated by the federal government. Knowing the key facts about the NWT — its capital, geography, Indigenous peoples, and economy — is essential for passing the Canadian citizenship test.
Yellowknife is the largest city and capital of the NWT, with approximately 20,000 inhabitants. Founded during the gold rush of the 1930s, it is today the administrative, economic, and cultural centre of the territory. It is officially recognized as the Aurora Capital of the World.
🗺️ Geography of the Northwest Territories
The NWT cover a vast area — approximately 1.35 million km², more than thirteen times the size of Nova Scotia. The territory is crossed by natural landmarks of considerable importance for Canada's history and economy.
Great Slave Lake
Great Slave Lake is the tenth largest lake in the world and the fifth largest in Canada. It lies at the heart of the NWT, on whose shores Yellowknife is built. Its waters freeze so solidly in winter that they support heavy trucks — an "ice road" famous throughout Canada's North.
The Mackenzie River
The Mackenzie River is Canada's longest river, stretching approximately 1,738 km (4,241 km with the full river system). It flows through the NWT from south to north, emptying into the Arctic Ocean. The river played a crucial role in Canada's exploration and fur trade. It bears the name of Alexander Mackenzie, the Scottish explorer who descended it in 1789.
Did You Know?
Alexander Mackenzie was the first European to cross North America to the Pacific Ocean in 1793, having previously descended the river that now bears his name. He is one of the key figures in Canadian exploration.
👥 Indigenous Peoples of the NWT
The Northwest Territories are home to a remarkable diversity of Indigenous peoples, who make up approximately half the territory's total population.
The Dene
The Dene are an Athabascan-speaking Indigenous people who have inhabited the boreal forests and shores of the great lakes and rivers of the NWT for millennia. They include several nations:
- Chipewyan Dene — in the southeast of the territory
- Yellowknives Dene — around Great Slave Lake
- Tlicho (Dogrib) — between Great Slave Lake and Great Bear Lake
- Dehcho Dene — in the Mackenzie River valley
- Sahtu Dene — around Great Bear Lake
The Inuvialuit
The Inuvialuit are the Inuit people of the Mackenzie Delta and the Arctic coasts of the NWT. They have inhabited these coastal lands for more than 1,000 years and are the stewards of the territory's northernmost regions.
The Métis
The Métis of the NWT are descended from unions between Dene people and European fur traders, mainly in the 18th and 19th centuries. They play an important role in the culture and politics of the territory.
Did You Know?
The Northwest Territories officially recognize 11 languages: Chipewyan, Cree, English, French, Gwich'in, Inuinnaqtun, Inuktitut, Inuvialuktun, North Slavey, South Slavey, and Tlicho. This is the highest number of official languages of any Canadian jurisdiction.
💎 The Economy of the Northwest Territories
The NWT's economy rests on world-class natural resources. The territory is one of the most important diamond producers in the world by value and holds significant oil and gas reserves.
The Diamond Industry
In 1991, the discovery of diamonds in the Lac de Gras lake region transformed the NWT's economy. Since then, the NWT have become one of the world's largest diamond producers by value.
| Mine | Status | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Ekati | Canada's first diamond mine | Opened 1998 |
| Diavik | Among the world's largest | Opened 2003 |
| Gahcho Kué | De Beers Canada project | Opened 2016 |
Oil, Gas, and Other Resources
The Mackenzie Valley holds significant oil and natural gas deposits. Gold mining historically founded Yellowknife's economy (hence its nickname "Gold Town"). The NWT also hold important reserves of zinc, lead, and other minerals.
Tourism
Tourism is a booming sector, attracting visitors from around the world for:
- The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) — Yellowknife offers some of the best views in the world
- The Midnight Sun — during the Arctic summer
- Nahanni National Park Reserve — UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Ice Roads — a unique travel experience on frozen lakes
- Arctic Wildlife — caribou, muskoxen, polar bears
Did You Know?
The Northwest Territories are one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. Yellowknife sits under the optimal auroral oval and enjoys more than 200 clear nights per year for aurora viewing.
⚖️ Territory vs. Province: An Important Distinction for the Test
For the citizenship test, it is essential to understand the distinction between Canadian provinces and territories.
| Aspect | Province | Territory |
|---|---|---|
| Powers | Sovereign (Constitution) | Delegated by Ottawa |
| Legislature | Elected Legislative Assembly | Elected Legislative Assembly |
| Senate Representation | Guaranteed seats | 1 seat each (not guaranteed) |
| Number | 10 provinces | 3 territories |
The three territories are: the Northwest Territories, the Yukon, and Nunavut. Nunavut was created in 1999, becoming Canada's newest territory, carved out of the NWT to honour the territorial claims of the Inuit people.
Test tip: The citizenship test may ask you to name the three territories, identify the capital of the NWT (Yellowknife), or distinguish the difference between a territory and a province. Memorize these key facts!
📋 Key Facts Summary for the Test
Here is a summary of the information most likely to appear on the citizenship test regarding the Northwest Territories:
Yellowknife — also known as the "Aurora Capital of the World"
Mackenzie River — Canada's longest river, flows into the Arctic Ocean
Great Slave Lake — 10th largest lake in the world
Dene, Inuvialuit, and Métis — approximately 50% of the population
Diamonds — NWT ranks among the world's top producers
11 official languages — the most of any Canadian jurisdiction
Territory (not a province) — powers delegated by the federal Parliament
Nahanni National Park Reserve — World Heritage Site since 1978
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capital of the Northwest Territories?
The capital is Yellowknife. It is also the most populous city in the NWT, with approximately 20,000 inhabitants out of a total territorial population of about 45,000.
Why are the NWT called "Territories" and not a "Province"?
The NWT are a territory, meaning their government exercises powers delegated by the federal Parliament, unlike provinces which hold sovereign powers guaranteed by the Canadian Constitution. Territories do not have the same constitutional guarantees as provinces.
Which Indigenous peoples live in the NWT?
The NWT are home to three main Indigenous groups: the Dene (several nations including Tlicho, Sahtu, and Dehcho), the Inuvialuit in the Arctic, and the Métis. Together they represent approximately half of the territory's population.
What is the main industry of the NWT?
Diamond mining is the most important industry by value. The NWT was the first Canadian region to produce diamonds (Ekati mine, 1998) and ranks among the world's top producers. The public sector, oil and gas, and tourism are also significant.
"The True North, strong and free — a land of breathtaking wilderness, ancient peoples, and natural wonders found nowhere else on Earth."— Inspired by Discover Canada, the official citizenship study guide
Knowing the facts about the Northwest Territories means understanding an essential part of Canadian identity — its geographic grandeur, Indigenous diversity, and natural wealth. Practice with our quizzes to master these topics before your test day.