Tłı̨chǫ Government still developing N.W.T.'s Whatı̀ Falls for tourists, no timeline on opening

The Tłı̨chǫ Government in the N.W.T. is moving ahead with a plan to develop the Whatı̀ Falls for tourists but doesn't yet have a timeline on when the public can visit. 

The falls, approximately 20 kilometres from the community of Whatı̀, N.W.T., are sacred for Tłı̨chǫ people and the Indigenous government is working to balance the benefits of more visitors with preserving the pristine land and water. 

Nive Sridharan is a project coordinator with the Tłı̨chǫ Government's department of culture and lands protection and is working on the project at the falls. 

"It's a really beautiful area and so, wanting to make sure that it can be enjoyed by everyone — but also protect and preserve it as much as we can," she said.

Sridharan said that with the all-season road that opened in 2021, there are new opportunities for local employment, training, economic development and educating the public on Tłı̨chǫ culture.  

And at each stage of development they're working closely to consult with the community, she said. 

Step one, Sridharan said, is setting up infrastructure to ensure safe access to the falls, like fencing and trails. She said the plan is also to build signs to inform visitors of the cultural significance of the site. 

Mike Nitsiza is an elder in Whatı̀. He says the falls, called Nailii in Tłı̨chǫ, is somewhere residents go to cleanse themselves and to pray.     

"I go there as often as I can," he said.

Nitsiza said he wants to share the sacred site and would even consider working there himself, as a guide.  

"All my experience, knowledge — traditional and culture and spirituality — I want to pass it on," he said.

He says it's essential that the falls be kept pristine.

"As soon as it's been disrespected to the people, they'll probably close the area."

Sridharan said the area is currently under construction and closed to everyone. She said there's no timeline at this point for when it will open.

She said they're focused first on developing the day-use area, then they'll see about moving ahead with developing a campground.