For many Canadians, and much of the rest of the world, life in the Northwest Territories is a curious thing, shaped by questions and assumptions more than lived experience. For me however, it is home. For over two decades, I have lived in the North, experiencing both the triumphs and trials that come with life above the 60th parallel. From long, dark, freezing cold winters to bright, dry summers, the rhythms of the North shape everything, from community life to personal identity.
Raised in Yellowknife, the territory’s capital, I have come to know the unique character of a city that truly feels more like a small town. Here, everyone knows everyone, stories travel fast, and the wilderness is never more than a few steps beyond your door. In sharing my experience, I hope to offer a better picture of Northern life—whether that be the hardships or the charm—while shedding light on a place that remains one of Canada’s most misunderstood regions.
