On May 1, 1967, Yellowknife was designated the Capital of the Northwest Territories.
To mark the 50th Anniversary of Incorporation, throughout 2017, the City hosted a variety of events, programs, and initiatives to celebrate this milestone.
Northwest Territories Political History
From 1905 to 1967 the seat of government for the Northwest Territories was located in Ottawa and consisted of a federally appointed Commissioner and his staff. Northerners were rarely consulted before new laws and regulations were enacted. For decades residents of the Northwest Territories had voiced their concerns over having little or no control over how the territory was run.
In 1965 the Territorial Council passed a motion calling on the federal government to review the north's political situation. Resulting in the Carrothers' Commission.
