Entered Confederation: 1870

Rupert's Land and the North-Western Territory before Confederation Copyright

In 1870 Rupert's Land and the North-Western Territory were bought by Canada, and the whole area was renamed the Northwest Territories. In 1870 the Territories covered a huge area. Over the years pieces of land were taken away to form Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba, Yukon and Nunavut, and other pieces of land were added to Ontario and Quebec.

Northwest Territories joins Canada, 1870 Copyright

Northwest Territories redefined, 1912 Copyright

Most of the people who live in the Territories are First Nations and Inuit. Over many years the Canadian government made decisions that changed the Territories, and the way of life of the First Nations and Inuit people who lived there. Finally, in 1975, the people were allowed to vote for all the council members that govern the Northwest Territories.

The Northwest Territories is not a province, so it does not have the same powers.

Nunavut created, 1999 Copyright