Rat River Development Corporation, holding company for the Tetlit Gwich’in Council in Fort McPherson, NWT, has approved plans to build a new 10,000 sq. ft. multi-use center. Conveniently located in the center of town, across from the local school, the energy efficient structure will house Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) offices on the first level while offering second level rental apartments, targeted to local teachers.
Since 1999, the RRDC has created employment and training opportunities for local residents. Property renovation, construction projects, and building maintenance are among the ventures that have increased economic development in the area.
Fort McPherson (also known as Tetlit Zheh) is a hamlet located in the Inuvik Region of the Northwest Territories,Canada. It is located on the east bank of the Peel River and is 121 km (75 mi) south of Inuvik on the Dempster Highway. It is home to North America’s northern-most Aboriginal people, the Gwich’in Nation. This traditionally nomadic nation extends across three territories, the NWT, Yukon, and Alaska.The Gwich’in people of Fort McPherson are very welcoming of strangers and go out of their way to make them welcome. Most people have vehicles and regularly make trips to either Inuvik or Whitehorse. The community is home to many excellent craftsmen.
