Dinàgà Wek’èhodì

Dinàgà Wek'èhodì is an area of approximately 790 km2 of the northern portion of the north arm of Great Slave Lake and includes the mainland shoreline, numerous islands, and the water of the lake itself.

Dinàgà Wek ’èhodì has powerful, historical, spiritual and cultural significance. It is a home; a place of legends, sharing, teaching and learning.

The area is important for migratory birds, and provides habitat for other birds, fish and wildlife, including species at risk. The rich flora and fauna are the foundation of this spectacular natural environment with many harvesting and recreational opportunities.

Cooperative management of a protected area will ensure that all people have the opportunity to respect and enjoy this unique area for generations.

Importance of Dinàgà Wek'èhodì

• Dinàgà Wek'èhodì (formerly Kwets'ootł'àà) was identified for protection by the Tłı̨chǫ Government.
• The area is culturally important to the Dene and Métis who have used the area for centuries for many activities including hunting and fishing.
• The area hosts several species at risk including boreal woodland caribou, wood bison, wolverine, rusty blackbird, common nighthawk, barn swallow, and short-eared owl.
• Dinàgà Wek'èhodì is classified as an Important Bird Area (IBA) in Canada and is a key migratory bird site in the Northwest Territories with large numbers of tundra swans, Canada geese and other waterfowl using it as a staging area.
• Dinàgà Wek'èhodì contains Canada's northernmost recorded breeding range of caspian and black terns.
• Dinàgà Wek'èhodì is a popular area for fishing and hunting, outfitting, ecotourism, and recreation.

Status

• The Dinàgà Wek'èhodì Working Group was established in December 2010.
• Assessments of the area's ecological, cultural and economic values have been completed and a work group report finalized (March 2016).
• A surface and subsurface interim land withdrawal exists for Dinàgà Wek'èhodì until October 9th 2018. 

Next Steps

• Collaborative discussions on the establishment of Dinàgà Wek'èhodì using territorial legislation are ongoing.
• The GNWT is committed to working directly with Aboriginal governments and organizations, key stakeholders and the public throughout the establishment process.

Publications

• Download Dinàgà Wek’èhodì Consultation Boundary Map
• 2016 May 11 - Establishing Dinàgà Wek’èhodì as a Territorial Park
• 2016 March 31 - Working Group Report
• 2014 April 14 - Dinàgà Wek’èhodì - Candidate National Wildlife Area

Related Website

• GNWT - Dinàgà Wek’èhodì Website
• Wek’èezhìı Renewable Resources Board - Dinaga Wek'ehodi/ North Arm Great Slave Lake Candidate Protected Area