Tłı̨chǫ Government still developing N.W.T.'s Whatı̀ Falls for tourists, no timeline on opening
The falls, approximately 20 kilometres from the community of Whatı̀, N.W.T., are sacred for Tłı̨chǫ people and the Indigenous government is working to balance the benefits of more visitors with preserving the pristine land and water.
Nive Sridharan is a project coordinator with the Tłı̨chǫ Government's department of culture and lands protection and is working on the project at the falls.
"It's a really beautiful area and so, wanting to make sure that it can be enjoyed by everyone — but also protect and preserve it as much as we can," she said.
Sridharan said that with the all-season road that opened in 2021, there are new opportunities for local employment, training, economic development and educating the public on Tłı̨chǫ culture.
And at each stage of development they're working closely to consult with the community, she said.
Step one, Sridharan said, is setting up infrastructure to ensure safe access to the falls, like fencing and trails. She said the plan is also to build signs to inform visitors of the cultural significance of the site.
Mike Nitsiza is an elder in Whatı̀. He says the falls, called Nailii in Tłı̨chǫ, is somewhere residents go to cleanse themselves and to pray.
"I go there as often as I can," he said.
Nitsiza said he wants to share the sacred site and would even consider working there himself, as a guide.
"All my experience, knowledge — traditional and culture and spirituality — I want to pass it on," he said.
He says it's essential that the falls be kept pristine.
"As soon as it's been disrespected to the people, they'll probably close the area."
Sridharan said the area is currently under construction and closed to everyone. She said there's no timeline at this point for when it will open.
She said they're focused first on developing the day-use area, then they'll see about moving ahead with developing a campground.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Cision Canada
08-08-2025
- Cision Canada
New immersive tourism offering from the Nation Micmac de Gespeg at Forillon National Park Français
Inauguration of Um'tgi Wapg – Land of the Dawn GASPÉ, QC, Aug. 8, 2025 /CNW/ - Today, the Nation Micmac de Gespeg and Parks Canada are proud to inaugurate Um'tgi Wapg – Land of the Dawn, an immersive experience in traditional accommodation in Forillon National Park. In addition to being a new tourism offering on the ancestral Mi'gmaq territory of Gespe'gewa'gi, this project marks a concrete step toward reconciliation. While August 9 marks the International Day of the Indigenous Peoples, it is part of the Reconciliation and Recognition of Rights Agreement with respect to Forillon National Park, particularly supporting the objectives related to the preservation and presentation of Indigenous cultural heritage. Located at the tip of Forillon National Park, near Cap-Bon-Ami, Um'tgi Wapg offers an immersive experience of traditional wigwam-inspired accommodation, where visitors will discover Mi'gmaq history, legends, cultural practices and spirituality through educational activities – such as making dream catchers according to Micmac moons and other interpretive activities related to the culture and territory. This site is a symbolic place for sun ceremonies, as it pays tribute to the beauty of the land and the history of the Mi'gmaq people who have lived there for thousands of years. Reservations will be open to the public starting in summer 2026. An engine of viability, economic growth and cultural vitality The Um'tgi Wapg project presents a distinctive new tourism offering in the Gaspésie region. Led by the Nation Micmac de Gespeg, this project promotes the development of Indigenous tourism, an essential lever in its sustainable development strategy. As well as boosting the local economy, the project will create jobs for members of the community. Its integration into Forillon National Park is based on a strong synergy between the park's natural appeal and the richness of Mi'gmaq culture, offering visitors an experience rooted in the territory and supported by the community. Quotes "After several years' work, the realization of Um'tgi Wapg is a success that makes me particularly proud. In addition to discovering the region, visitors to Forillon National Park can learn about many aspects of Mi'gmaq culture. This project reflects our commitment to passing on our culture to future generations, while creating tangible benefits for our community." Céline Cassivi, Chief of the Nation Micmac de Gespeg "Our national parks are a source of pride for all Canadians. They also offer an opportunity to highlight key chapters of our shared history, from time immemorial to the present day. The Um'tgi Wapg – Land of the Dawn project represents a concrete commitment to reconciliation and will deepen our understanding of the profound connections between Indigenous peoples and their ancestral lands. Parks Canada's support for this initiative by the Nation Micmac de Gespeg reflects our government's commitment to building a future that honours the historical and contemporary contributions of First Nations, while protecting our natural and cultural heritage across the country. I encourage everyone to experience this immersive journey during their visit to Forillon National Park." The Honourable Steven Guilbeault Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages "The new Um'tgi Wapg project is a wonderful way to share the rich culture, history and knowledge of the Mi'gmaq people with visitors from here and abroad. It will also create new jobs in the community and support the Nation Micmac de Gespeg's long-term development objectives. By inviting people to learn more about indigenous culture, this important project promotes greater understanding between communities and helps us all move forward together towards reconciliation. " The Honourable Rebecca Alty Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Quick Facts Located on the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula, Forillon National Park welcomes over 165,000 Canadian and international visitors every year. The Government of Canada officially recognized the Nation Micmac de Gespeg in 1973, even though they have occupied the territory since time immemorial. On April 3, 2024, the Nation Micmac de Gespeg and the Government of Canada announced the signing of the Rights and Reconciliation Agreement with respect to Forillon National Park. Related Links Parks Canada Nation Micmac de Gespeg Forillon National Park SOURCE Parks Canada (HQ)
Cision Canada
07-08-2025
- Cision Canada
Media invitation - Inauguration of a new immersive Indigenous experience in the region Français
GASPÉ, QC, Aug. 7, 2025 /CNW/ - The Micmac Nation of Gespeg is proud to inaugurate Um'tgi Wapg – Land of the Dawn, a new immersive tourism offering on the territory. Produced in collaboration with Parks Canada, this unique project offers an immersive experience in traditional accommodations, promoting the development of Indigenous tourism and helping to create jobs for community members. The official inauguration will take place on Friday, August 8 at 10 a.m., in the presence of Céline Cassivi, Chief of the Micmac Nation of Gespeg, Hugues Michaud, Executive Director, Quebec-Nunavut, from Parks Canada, and other key partners. Event details: What: Official inauguration and tour of Um'tgi Wapg – Terre de l'aube – Land of the Dawn, an accommodation site offering a unique Indigenous experience to introduce visitors to Mi'gmaq culture. When: Friday, August 8, 2025 at 10 a.m. (45-minute press conference followed by cultural activities) Where: North Area, near Cap-Bon-Ami in Forillon National Park (opposite Cap-Bon-Ami Campground). Um'tgi Wapg is located about 45 minutes from Gaspé. Who: Céline Cassivi, Chief of the Micmac Nation of Gespeg, Hugues Michaud, Executive Director, Quebec-Nunavut, Parks Canada * Please note that there is no cellular network in the Cap-Bon-Ami area, including the Um'tgi Wapg site. This project is in line with the Rights and Reconciliation Agreement with respect to Forillon National Park, particularly with regard to the preservation and presentation of Indigenous cultural heritage.
CBC
06-08-2025
- CBC
N.W.T. canoe trip turns into emergency evacuation as paddlers flee wildfire
A canoe trip turned into an emergency evacuation last weekend for 42 Tłı̨chǫ paddlers in the N.W.T., after a wildfire came dangerously close to their campsite. The annual Trails of Our Ancestors journey brings together participants from across the Tłı̨chǫ region to connect with history and retrace traditional travel routes. The program experienced a record-breaking number of participants this year, with 28 canoes and over 160 paddlers departing from several communities. Eleven canoes with 66 paddlers departed from Wekweèti, on July 28. The same day, another group left from Gamètì with 42 paddlers in seven canoes. The rest of the paddlers departed from Whatì on August 4. The group from Gamètì was six days into their trip when they encountered a wildfire early Sunday morning. Gamètì Chief Doreen Arrowmaker, who was with the group, said they were already struggling with low water levels, which they anticipated would be a challenge, when they reached a particularly tough stretch with a gruelling portage that took 40 minutes one way, in sweltering heat. The group set up camp for the night later than expected on a traditional hilltop along the portage trail. After eating and socializing fireside, the campers started to settle into their beds at around midnight. Arrowmaker said the group's K'àowo (boss leader) made the decision to have a night watch. "Five or six guys volunteered to watch camp on shifts to monitor for wildlife," she said. "[There] were smaller kids travelling with us, so we felt it best to have night watchers." A few hours later, around 3 a.m., those on night watch noticed an orange glow on the horizon. "Some of them thought that the sun was rising already," Arrowmaker said. "And then when they look closely, they realized that it was a fire." The rest of the group was alerted and quickly packed what they could in the dark, using headlamps and flashlights. Arrowmaker said the fire was so close she could see flames and embers coming up around them. "We could hear the fire, you know how it makes that noise? I can't even describe the sound," she said. "It was a frightening experience ... and we were afraid we might get trapped." The group moved quickly down the hill to reach their boats. Arrowmaker said they then made their way to a nearby island before embarking on another difficult portage over land and upstream in thick smoke to reach a second island, where they waited for rescuers. It was then about 5 a.m. The group had to clear an area for the helicopters to land. Not long after, Great Slave Helicopters and Acasta HeliFlight arrived and began flying people out in groups, first the children, then the women and elders. Arrowmaker said paddlers were returned to Gamètì before visibility worsened and grounded flights. Participants who couldn't return home are now staying with family, friends, or in hotels in Behchokǫ̀ and Yellowknife. According to N.W.T. Fire, the wildfire that threatened the group was human-caused, and still burning out of control as of Wednesday. It was an estimated one hectare in size, and being monitored by fire officials. Helicopters arrived after the group evacuated camp 2 hours ago Staying calm and working together Despite the traumatic experience, Arrowmaker said she was proud of their K'àowo and the paddlers for remaining calm and working well together. "We all knew that human lives were more important than material things," she said. "We want to make sure that people are safe, and that's what we work hard for." She also praised the young people who were part of the group, saying they played a critical role in helping the elders. "They were the ones that really got into the riverways … and helped a lot of these older people," she said. "Not only with their boats, but also with their packs." Arrowmaker said many of the Gamètì paddlers still want to finish what they started. The group plans to recover the canoes they left behind and restart their journey near Russell Lake, aiming to reunite with the other paddling groups before arriving on the water in Behchokǫ̀ for the annual Tłı̨chǫ gathering, next week. Arrowmaker said this year's canoe journey will be remembered as one of the most challenging, and also frightening and traumatic for some participants. But she said challenges are part of the journey, and the paddlers got through it all by working together. "You know, we had a really good group," she said. "I think one of the things I'll ever take away from this trip is that it was fun being out in the land, and I really enjoyed being with the people."
