Located at the junction of the Mackenzie and Liard Rivers, Fort Simpson is the most populous settlement in the Dehcho Region of Northwest Territories, Canada. Initially set up by the Hudson’s Bay Company as a fur trading post, it has transformed into a central service area for the region and a focal entry point to the Nahanni National Park Reserve, recognized as a World Heritage Site, for its breathtaking sceneries and falls.
The region is home to a sizable population that has Dene culture at its core and more. The people of Fort Simpson do not only engage in cultural performances. They also take part in cultural activities like drum dances, hand games, hunting, fishing, and trapping, which all play a major role in the protection of the Indigenous ways of life in the region. The other event that is loved by many is the annual Beavertail Jamboree, which promotes Dene culture, food, and even the onset of spring.
Furthermore, Fort Simpson serves as a primary launching point for travelers wishing to venture further into the wilderness. Its canyons and Virginia Falls, the characteristically stunning features of the Nahanni River, lure trekkers, canoeists, and kayakers from all corners of the globe. In spite of its isolated setting, Fort Simpson possesses some basic facilities such as schools, health care, and even shops, which enables residents to live in nature, immersed in rich culture, and still easily access modern life.