March 1997

Government of the Northwest Territories
Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development
Parks and Tourism

Gwich'in (Campbell Lake)

Gwich’in Territorial Park is approximately 20 km south of Inuvik on the east and south shores of Campbell Lake. The area is recognized internationally under the International Biological Program. The land and waters of this area contain many significant natural, cultural and recreational features in this extension of the Mackenzie Delta.

Following passage of the Gwich in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement Act in 1992, Gwich in and the GNWT negotiated a Memorandum of Agreement concerning a territorial park. The area has now been reserved for park purposes. The park is classified as an Outdoor Recreation Park and encompasses an area of approximately 8800 hectares. Two existing wayside parks and one existing campground have been incorporated within this park.

A Park Management Committee was established in 1994 consisting of two representatives of the Gwich in Tribal Council, two representatives of the GNWT, and a chair chosen by those four members. A master plan was completed in 1995 by a Gwich in company as part of the Memorandum of Agreement.

Major resource inventories were completed in 1995. An archaeological survey yielded evidence of past occupancy of the land going back many centuries. Historically, the area has been used seasonally for hunting, trapping and fishing, as it is today. Any proposed developments will not be permitted to affect sites associated with the past and present uses of the land. There will be a new focus on tourism but the traditional use will continue and is considered an asset to park development.

A botanical survey has also been completed identifying some sensitive species of plants, several being at the northern limit of their range. (This area is also the northern limit of the wood frog). The botanical survey also documented Gwich in names of these plants for use in future interpretive programs.

All existing sites within the park boundaries are being renamed in the Gwich’in language. Park site identification signs will use these names.

Site development of the recreational vehicle (RV) campground has started at an abandoned gravel pit. This will provide road access to Campbell Lake by the summer of 1997. The RV campground should be operational within two years. Hiking trails are planned for the future.

A facility conceptual plan for the park is being prepared under contract with Gwich’in Geographics Ltd. This will define a theme and style for park infrastructure based on cultural and natural influences. Douglas Cardinal, a renowned Canadian architect, is working with the contractor on the theme and conceptual design.

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