The North West Company Fort McPherson

The North West Company Inc. is proud of the active role we play within the communities we serve, striving to make a positive, progressive difference. Our contributions within the community of Fort McPherson, NT are a testament to our commitment.   

The Hamlet of Fort McPherson is located on the east bank of the Peel River and its traditional name is Tetl'it Zheh which means Town at the Head Waters. The community sits on a bluff overlooking the Peel River, facing the beautiful Richardson Mountains, 121 km south of Inuvik on the Dempster Highway.

Fort McPherson has a population of approximately 900 residents (as per Fort McPherson’s website) and is home to the Teetl’it Gwich’in People – 80% of the community members are Gwich’in descent. The two principal languages spoken are Gwich’in and English.

The community is accessible year-round on the Dempster Highway, a gravel road that runs from Inuvik, past Fort McPherson on its way to the highway system in the Yukon. There is also a small airport at Fort McPherson with seasonal flights to Inuvik when the Peel River is closed during spring break-up and fall freeze-up.