Are you looking for a unique travel experience? Look no further than the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. This cultural heritage centre celebrates and highlights the history and culture of the Northwest Territories, offering a variety of engaging exhibits, activities and events. From interesting facts and interactive displays to outdoor adventures and interactive tours, your experience at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre is sure to be unlike any other. This article will provide you with an overview of the centre, interesting facts & information, and travel guides and tips. So, if you’re heading to the Northwest Territories, make sure to stop by and pay a visit to this incredible centre. From exciting exhibits to outdoor activities and immersive interactive tours, you will not want to miss out on the amazing experience the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre has to offer.
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1. Established in 1987, the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre (PWNHC) in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, is the largest of its kind in Canada’s North.
2. It is home to one of the largest collection of the artifacts and specimens in Canada dedicated to understanding the natural history of the Canadian Arctic.
3. PWNHC also houses a large library of books and publications related to Arctic native cultures, Northern politics, scientific exploration, and history.
4. The Centre is home to an extensive Indigenous art gallery showcasing the vibrancy of Inuit and Dene Native art from the Northwest Territories.
5. The Centre works closely with northern communities and elders to ensure the cultural integrity of its works and collections.
6. In 1997 the Centre joined forces the Canadian Arctic Producers (CAP), an Aboriginal owned and operated retail business, to create the Arctic Creations Collection. This partnership aimed to promote local art and traditional regional culture.
7. In 2015 the Centre unveiled the Pilimmaksarniq/Pihlida (our knowledge lives here) outreach program. This program was created to promote awareness of northern heritage, culture, and history to enable greater understanding and appreciation of Canada’s Arctic.
8. Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre is one of the few venues in the world to host the traveling exhibit, Northern Lights: Canada Through The Eyes Of Its Photographers. This exhibit showcases photographs of the Canadian Arctic taken by professional photographers from across the country.
The Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre (PWNHC) is an interpretive museum and research facility located in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada. Opened in 1991, it is dedicated to the study and preservation of the North’s culture and natural history. The Centre works with local communities to document, research, and share their knowledge and heritage.
The PWNHC is managed by a government-appointed Board of Directors and staff, and is funded by the Government of Canada. It encompasses six distinct programs: the Arctic Institute of North America, the Aurora Research Institute, the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, the Dene Cultural Institute, the Environmental Studies Research Centre, and the Centre for Northern Families.
The PWNHC houses a variety of collections, including archaeological artifacts, art, natural history specimens, audio-visual materials, and archival records. It also provides educational programs and tours, and offers a venue for meetings, conferences, and special events.
In addition to its activities at the Centre, the PWNHC conducts fieldwork in collaboration with local northern organizations and researchers to collect historical and traditional knowledge. The Centre supports the conservation of northern ecology by encouraging sustainable use of the region’s natural resources. It has also contributed to the publication of books, reports, films, and videos about northern cultures.
Historically, the PWNHC has been a strong advocate for Indigenous rights and cultural initiatives in the North. The Centre is committed to celebrating and promoting the rich culture and history of the Arctic through exhibitions, publications, and other projects.
The Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre is one of the premiere museums of the North located in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. It is home to artifacts and information about the heritage of the Northern People of the Canadian North, and it has a wide variety of exhibit galleries, interactive exhibits, and outdoor activities to explore and learn about the region’s culture and history.
If you are planning to visit the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, here is a guide to get you started:
Getting There:
The best way to get to the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre is by plane. You can fly to Yellowknife directly from other cities in Canada, and other international cities. Once you land in Yellowknife, you can take a taxi, bus, or hire a car to reach the Centre.
What To See:
• Explore the galleries and interactive exhibits that are housed in the museum, Learn about the cultures, traditions, and stories of the Northern People. The galleries include a traditional crafts room, the Inuit art and artifacts room, the Cultural Heritage Room, and the modern Arctic People’s room.
• Take a look at the physical and cultural heritage of the North. The displays feature items such as clothing, art, carvings, tools, photos, and other artifacts.
• Go for a walk outside the centre and take in the stunning scenery of the North. The grounds are home to a variety of wildlife, including muskox, moose, caribou, fox, and more.
• Visit the Iqaluk Centre, which features exhibits and installations on local Indigenous cultures, languages, and art.
• Check out the Prince of Wales Heritage Theatre, where you can enjoy plays, performances, and films produced by local artists.
When To Visit:
The Prince of Wales Heritage Centre is open from May through September, and various special events and programs are held throughout the year. The centre is busiest during the summer months when tourists flock to the region to enjoy sightseeing, hiking, and northern activities. During the other months of the year, there is still plenty to explore and enjoy.
As you can see, there is lots to see and do at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre. Whether you come to explore the galleries, take in the outdoors, or delve into the culture and history of the North, you will find something to enjoy and learn about during your visit.
Q: What is the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre?
A: The Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre (PWK) is a territorial museum and archives located in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada. The PWK holds a wide range of collections relating to the history and culture of the Northwest Territories, as well as a large research library and gallery.
Q: What kinds of Exhibits does the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre offer?
A: The PWK offers a variety of permanent and changing exhibitions, special events, educational programming, and other opportunities to explore the rich and diverse history of the Northwest Territories. Permanent exhibits focus on topics such as Dene culture, fur trade history, mineral exploration and industries, and local social development. Additionally, PWK works in partnership with local community groups and organizations to showcase their unique stories and experiences in dynamic temporary exhibitions.
Q: Is the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre open to the public?
A: Yes, the PWK is open to the public, and welcomes visitors of all ages. The Centre is open daily from mid-May to mid-September, and provides a range of programming and events for the surrounding community. The PWK also offers guided tours, family friendly activities, and the opportunity to explore its galleries and research library.
5 Mar, 2024
5 Mar, 2024