Thaidene Nene National Park Reserve

With towering cliffs and pristine waters that are home to world-class fishing and majestic wildlife, Thaıdene Nëné (“Land of the Ancestors” in Dënesųłıné Yatı) is an Indigenous protected area that covers more than 26,000 square kilometres of land and water extending from the revered East Arm of Great Slave Lake (known as Tu Nedhé, Tınde’e, Tıdeè, and Tucho to local Dene and Métisto the tundra. This is a land of spiritual and cultural importance to the Dene and Métis of the area.

Nestled within the boundaries of the Indigenous protected area is Thaıdene Nëné National Park Reserve, 14,070 square kilometres of ecologically diverse wilderness that spans the transitions from boreal forest to tundra and positively explodes with life. Designated in 2019, Thaıdene Nëné is the newest national park reserve in Canada. Herds of muskoxen and stoic moose can be seen grazing along the lakeshore, while giant lake trout patrol the clean and clear waters of North America’s deepest lake.

In addition to the National Park Reserve, Thaıdene Nëné Indigenous Protected Area includes the first territorial protected area in the NWT (9,105 square kilometres) and a 3,120-square-kilometre wildlife conservation area. Caring for Thaıdene Nëné is uniquely cooperative, with Indigenous, federal, and territorial governments all working together.

The welcoming Dënesųłıné community of Łutsël K’é is located near Thaıdene Nëné and Fort Reliance National Historic Site is located within the national park reserve’s boundaries. Every July, visitors get the opportunity to experience a glimpse of the Dënesųłıné way of life with traditional knowledge holders at the Welcome Camp. This is your chance to try your hand at dryfish or drymeat making, hide scraping, or just listening to Elders’ stories by the campfire while sipping some tea.

To get to Thaıdene Nëné, you can hop on a scheduled or charter flight into Łutsël K’é from Yellowknife. Currently, the national park reserve has limited infrastructure and amenities. It is an extremely isolated location, and visitors must be self-reliant. Visitors can book an overnight fishing trip or a night at a traditional camp with a local Dene guide. Or take a guided, week-long paddling adventure to the East Arm to experience the grandeur, serenity, and freedom of these unspoiled, wide-open spaces. Visitors can also visit one of the lodges in or near Thaıdene Nëné for some time spent fishing and relaxing.