Norman Wells

Norman Wells (Slavey language: Tłegǫ́hłı̨ "where there is oil") is the regional centre for the Sahtu Region of the Northwest Territories, Canada. The town is situated on the north side of the Mackenzie River and provides a view down the valley of the Franklin and Richardson Mountains.

Demographics

According to the 2006 Census the town has a population of 761, which is a decrease of 1.8% from the revised 2001 Census figure of 775. 300 people identified as aboriginal, and of these, 165 were First Nations, 110 were Métis and 25 were Inuit.

The main languages in the town are North Slavey and English.

Of the population, 75.7% is 15 and older, with the median age being 31, slightly less than the NWT averages of 76.1% and 31.2.

History

Oil was first seen by Alexander MacKenzie during his exploration of the river in 1789 but it was not until 1911 that an oil bearing formation was discovered. Imperial Oil, a major employer in the town, was established in the area in 1937 with a refinery built in 1937.

During the Second......
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