PRINCE OF WALES NORTHERN HERITAGE CENTRE, Yellowknife, NT

The concept for the PWNHC was originally established in 1971, as a result of concern over the loss of northern artifacts and collections, and the need to provide museum services and support throughout the Northwest Territories. In 1972, a program calling for the development of museum services in the NWT received official approval from the Government of the Northwest Territories. On April 16, 1979, HRH, the Prince of Wales, officiated at the opening of the facility that bears his title. The mandate for the PWNHC’s activities derives from the Northwest Territories Archives Act, the Northwest Territories Historical Resources Act, and the Northwest Territories Archaeological Sites Regulations. As the Government of the Northwest Territories’ museum and archives, it is administered by the Culture and Heritage Division of the Department of Education, Culture, and Employment. The PWNHC holds in trust for the public a large collection of objects that represent the peoples and cultures of the NWT, and produces exhibitions that tell stories about the land, people and history of the NWT. However, the PWNHC is “more than a museum”. In addition to its exhibits, collections and conservation programs, the PWNHC houses the NWT Archives, provides technical, logistic and financial support to individuals and organizations involved in cultural activities and the arts, and authorizes archaeological studies in the NWT.