Deline

Deline began with a few log cabins occupied on a seasonal basis, a short distance east of the Hudson's Bay Company Post, which was created to support the over-wintering of Sir John Franklin's Second Arctic Land Expedition of 1825-1827. One of the first recorded mentioning of the game of hockey in Canada was recorded in the Franklin diaries during this time. It wasn't until the 1920s when pitchblende was discovered at Port Radium and oil in Norman Wells that settlement begin to take shape. Great Bear Lake and Great Bear River became important trade routes.

In the 1940s and 1950s the Roman Catholic Mission, Federal Day School and Hudson Bay Company post marked a flurry of construction and the development of a semi-permanent settlement. Now a year-round settlement Deline is committed to preserving the traditional lifestyle. The economy is based on hunting, trapping, and fishing. Tourism, oil and gas services, local services, and arts and crafts provide a wage economy.

Deline rest on the shore of Great Bear Lake near the mouth of the Great Bear River. The community was formally called Fort Franklin until June 1, 1993 when the community decided to changed its name back to its traditional name that reflects its identity and location. Deline means “where the water flows." The population is 600 and North Slavey and English are the prominant languages spoken.

The community is accessible by air from Norman Wells, Tulita, and Yellowknife year round. Winter road access is available from January to April depending on the condition of the winter road as well.