Situated at the midway point between Great Slave and Great Bear Lakes is this charming community and traditional hunting area of the Tłįchǫ Dene. This is Gamètı̀, meaning “Rabbit-net place.”

Located on a quiet peninsula nestled within the chain of waterways between the great lakes, this traditional town was founded in the 1970s by Tłįchǫ who wanted a permanent settlement between Rae Lake and Lac Ste. Croix. Prior to that, this ancestral territory had served for eons as a seasonal hunting and fishing camp for the Tłįchǫ and Sahtu Dene.

New log houses were constructed as the town grew. An airstrip, school, and store helped families settle in the community – originally named Rae Lakes. The name was officially changed to Gamètì in 2005 with the passing of the Tłı̨chǫ Agreement. Make your own trip to the rabbit-net place and you’ll be rewarded with fantastic Grayling fishing and intricately beaded local crafts.

Access to Gamètı̀ is primarily available via daily flights from Yellowknife, or via road from Whati. Hearty canoe trippers have been known to fly into Gamètı̀ and paddle their way back to Yellowknife and Great Slave Lake via the Marian Lakes/Camsell River Route, also known as the “Idaa Trail.”