South Slave Region
All seven communities in this southern region are accessible by road, making them the easiest places to visit in the territory. Picturesque beauty can be found along side the highway – whether it is the waterfalls of Twin Falls Territorial Park, watching bison graze alongside the road, or a stop at the northern store for local arts and fine crafts.
Tradition reigns strong with the Akaitcho First Nations in the friendly community of Fort Resolution. There is also a strong presence of Métis peoples in this region, whose ancestors came north most likely as fur traders in the 1800s. They brought with them their own traditions and styles of weaving, sewing and beading. Arts and fine crafts made by Dene artists typically include intricate beadwork and tufting on tanned hide footwear, gloves and bags. There are well known storytellers who give cultural tours around the Twin Falls sacred area and share legends of the land and its cultural history.
The larger communities of Fort Smith and Hay River have a vibrant arts scene. Multicultural and eclectic, artists are encouraged to explore and express themselves through photography, film, music and performance arts. Contemporary artists make stain glass, jewelry and paint to capture the beautiful landscape of this region.
Fort Providence artists sew unique and practical fashion accessories under the label Dene Fur Clouds. Traditionally produced by finger knitting, the fabric is created from the inter-looping of strands of beaver or rabbit fur. Designs include hats, scarves, mittens, blankets and jackets and are amazingly warm and soft.
Use our online tool to learn Where to Buy NWT Art in the South Slave Region.
Or download printable, translated documents (PDFs):
Events
Hay River
December
Date: December 3rd, 2024
Community: Hay River
Location: Riverview Cineplex
NACC’s 40th Anniversary will be a celebration of exceptional talent and dynamic northern art forms from across the broad expanse of Denendeh. From the great fiddling dynasties flowing deep and swiftly like the great Deh Cho river, to the shining lights of Indigenous voices, the show will celebrate some of the major milestones and remember some of the brilliant and cutting edge performers who have shared their art and found their spotlight at NACC. Like a giant drum dance, or a triumphant handgame, celebrating 40 years of the Northern Arts and Cultural Centre will be a jubilant evening not...
January
Date: January 29th, 2025
Community: Hay River
Location: Riverview Cineplex
Old Man Luedecke is the recording and performing name of two-time JUNO award-winning and Polaris prize-nominated singer/songwriter Chris Luedecke. He’s a multiple East Coast Music Award winner known for his high-energy, banjo-driven stompers, touching guitar ballads, and dry, humorous stories. Old Man Luedecke has been making a soundtrack to an authentic life for nearly twenty years.
Fort Smith
December
Date: December 5th, 2024
Community: Fort Smith
Location: Roaring Rapids Hall
NACC’s 40th Anniversary will be a celebration of exceptional talent and dynamic northern art forms from across the broad expanse of Denendeh. From the great fiddling dynasties flowing deep and swiftly like the great Deh Cho river, to the shining lights of Indigenous voices, the show will celebrate some of the major milestones and remember some of the brilliant and cutting edge performers who have shared their art and found their spotlight at NACC. Like a giant drum dance, or a triumphant handgame, celebrating 40 years of the Northern Arts and Cultural Centre will be a jubilant evening not...
January
Date: January 30th, 2025
Community: Fort Smith
Location: Roaring Rapids Hall
Old Man Luedecke is the recording and performing name of two-time JUNO award-winning and Polaris prize-nominated singer/songwriter Chris Luedecke. He’s a multiple East Coast Music Award winner known for his high-energy, banjo-driven stompers, touching guitar ballads, and dry, humorous stories. Old Man Luedecke has been making a soundtrack to an authentic life for nearly twenty years.