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A new office and cultural centre at Naats'ihch'oh National Park Reserve near Tulita is a shovel closer to reality after Parks Canada announced $16.5 million to construct the building.

Crown Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty made the announcement on behalf of the agency during Tulita's annual "Fire Day" SA¹ú¼ÊÓ°ÊÓ´«Ã½” a community gathering remembering the 1995 wildfires but also how the community came together in response to the crisis. Representatives from both Tulita and Norman Wells were on hand for the event.

"The government is committed to supporting Northern communities across Canada, including the Sahtu region," said Alty. "Today's groundbreaking is an important next step for the Naats'ihch'oh National Park Reserve. The project will serve as a permanent space for community members to gather and provide a landmark destination to welcome visitors exploring this incredible region. 

"This space will also enhance Parks Canada's operational capacity to protect and present the natural and cultural heritage of this special place with the Naats'ihch'oh National Park Reserve Management Committee."

Once completed, the new facility will serve as both Parks Canada's base of operations for the park and as a living museum showcasing Metis and Dene culture. It will serve as a welcoming station for paddlers coming down the Mackenzie River.

Ground has been broken and the tender to build the new facility has been awarded to Northern Industrial Construction out of Yellowknife. The building will be constructed to energy efficient standards and is predicted to reduce Parks Canada's greenhouse gas emissions by 89 per cent compared to the status quo. Parks Canada hopes to begin working out of the building by fall of 2026, and the full building is expected to be ready for a spring 2027 grand opening.

It is hoped the structure will help expand tourism and help drive job creation in the Sahtu region.

Situated around Mount Naats'ihch'oh, the park was established in 2014 and protects 86 per cent of the Tehjeh Dee (South Nahanni River) watershed in conjunction with the Nahanni National Park Reserve. It is a vital habitat for grizzly bear, Dall sheep, mountain goats, woodland caribou and trumpeter swans. It is also an important hunting ground for harvesters in the region.

"This is good for the people," said Tulita Mayor Douglas Yallee. "Parks Canada has listened to the Elders and the community about what is important. It took time, but this new building shows how we can work together. This is a good day for our community."