A Key Step in the Protection of the Greater Nahanni Ecosystem
The South Nahanni River starts its journey at its headwaters - the Moose Ponds, in the shadow of Nááts'ihch'oh (Mount Wilson).© Parks Canada / C. Bucher, 2009Introduction
In Canada's Northwest Territories the South Nahanni River watershed, or Tuchįtł'á as it is called in the North Slavey language, straddles the Sahtu Settlement Area to the north and the Dehcho Region to the south.
The area proposed for the establishment of Nááts'ihch'oh National Park Reserve is situated in the Sahtu Settlement Area and includes part of the Mackenzie Mountains natural region of Canada and the headwaters of the South Nahanni River. The Sahtu Settlement Area was designated under the Sahtu Dene and Métis Comprehensive Agreement of 1993.
The watershed is an incredibly beautiful area with great ecological and cultural importance. The region has been used by Aboriginal peoples of present day Northwest Territories and Yukon for thousands of years.
In June 2009, Canada took a very significant step in conserving this northern ecosystem when it announced the massive expansion of the Nahanni National Park Reserve within the adjacent Dehcho Region of the Northwest Territories. The additional protection of the headwaters of the South Nahanni River in the proposed Nááts'ihch'oh National Park Reserve will complement the enlarged Nahanni and together they will stand side by side — a key step to protect and celebrate the importance of the Greater Nahanni Ecosystem for all time.