Tulita, Northwest Territories

Tulita, meaning "where the rivers/waters meet", is a hamlet in the Sahtu Region of the Northwest Territories, Canada. Formerly known as Fort Norman until 1 January 1996. It is located at the junction of the Great Bear River and the Mackenzie River; the Bear originates at Great Bear Lake adjacent to Deline.

Tulita is in an area that is forested and well south of the tree line. Permafrost underlays the area, more or less continuous in distribution. Tulita is surrounded by mountains, the latter renowned for Dall's sheep, and faces the Mackenzie Mountains to the west, which has Mountain Goat.

The population as of the 2001 Census was 473 [ [http://www12.statcan.ca/english/profil01/CP01/Details/Page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo1=CSD&Code1=6107005&Geo2=PR&Code2=61&Data=Count&SearchText=Colville%20Lake&SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=01&B1=All 2001 Census] ] and is predominantly Sahtu Dene, speaking English and Slavey.

Tulita may be reached via air year-round, and is served by Tulita Airport; Norman Wells is the regional centre and the site of origin of the majority of flights in. A winter road links Tulita to Wrigley and thence the Mackenzie Highway, and is only open in mid- to late winter. Summer access is available by barge or by canoe, from Hay River along the Mackenzie River. The NWT government is seeking federal funding to extend the Mackenzie Highway from Wrigley through Tulita to Tsiigehtchic.

Amenities consist of a hotel, Royal Canadian Mounted Police detachment, and a Nursing Station.

Tulita is represented by the Begade Shotagotine First Nation and belong to the Sahtu Dene Council. [ [http://nwt-tno.inac-ainc.gc.ca/mpf/stakehld/begadefn_e.htm Indian and Northern Affairs Canada] ] Through the council they are in negotions with the Government of Canada for a land claims settlement. They are also part of the Dehcho First Nations listed as the Begaee Shuhagot’ine. [ [http://www.dehchofirstnations.com/members/tulita.htm Dehcho First Nations] ]

References

External links

* [http://www.assembly.gov.nt.ca/visitorinfo/nwtmap/tulita.html Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories, Tulita profile]
* [http://survivingcanada.resist.ca/image/tid/18 Photos]
* [http://www.pwnhc.ca/programs/downloads/OfficialCommunityNames.pdf Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre - official names]