October 30, 2017
Located at the confluence of the Great Bear and Mackenzie Rivers - an area used by the Sahtu Dene people for hundreds of years — Tulít’a means “Where the waters meet.” The Hamlet is built in the shadow of the towering Bear Rock, which plays an important role in Dene lore. South of the tree line, the area is forested, home to abundant wildlife, epic mountain views, and the Old Anglican Church — a fixture in the community since 1880.
Today, two new campgrounds are taking shape on Tulít’a’s picturesque shore line, thanks to the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment’s Community Tourism Infrastructure Contribution Program (CTIC).
Mackenzie Park is the first of the two to be completed.
Campgrounds serve a vital demand in this region. Many self-guided tourists and guided tours require a camp on the Mackenzie to accommodate their activities. Over 200 visitors have already taken advantage of the amenities provided by Mackenzie Park in order to enjoy the region’s spectacular natural beauty.
“The parks are being designed to be multifunctional and will serve not only tourism in the region but locals as well,” says Tulít’a’s Economic Development Officer Tim Tomczynski.
The construction of the Mackenzie Park created six seasonal jobs for local residents.
Approximately $3,000 in local art sales has also been attributed to its completion and information about local art vendors now posted at the park.
Tulít’a’s tourism efforts also realized valuable exposure this summer when their park was used by Canoe North and True Patriot Love - an organization which organizes guided trips for wounded veterans.
The region’s second campground is slated to be completed in the summer of 2019. The Bear River Campground will serve as a year round campsite for locals and tourists. Amenities will include a cookhouse, tent pads, heated Macpherson tents and a walking trail from the Bear River to the Mackenzie River.
“This year-round park will allow us to comfortably house up to 20 visitors at a time,” says Tomczynski. “The Hamlet also has plans to construct a bandstand, washrooms, and a seasonal dock; we are also planning a zip line attraction from Bear Rock.”
ITI’s CTIC provides funding to community governments and non-government organizations to support new and innovative tourism infrastructure projects in and around their communities.
Applications for this year’s CTIC program open Monday, October 30th.
The investments made possible by the CTIC program are working to advance the community’s goal of delivering authentic traditional tourism in Tulita. They are also serving to advance the Government’s mandate to advance regional economic growth and diversification.