Norman Wells

The Dene have always occupied and used the lands and resources around Norman Wells and called the area, “Le Gohli” which means “where the oil is,” Alexander Mackenzie noticed oil seepages when he traveled the river at the end of the 1700's. Dene from the area led geologists to the same spot in the early 1900's. Three claims were staked in 1914. In 1920 was when a major oil find was made in Le Gohli. Due to its close proximity to Fort Norman, the place was called Norman Wells. By 1937 Imperial Oil Ltd. was actively exploring and developing Le Gohli and two years later a refinery capable of producing aviation fuel was built. Today oil drilling and exploration continues to be a backbone of the Norman Wells economy. A well-developed service industry also provides services to residents and visitors to the region.

Norman Wells is located 80km northwest of Tulita. The community is located at the north bank of Mackenzie River and views the entire width of the Mackenzie Valley from the Franklin to Richardson Mountains. The population is 948 and North Slavey and English are the prominent languages spoken.

The community is accessible by air from Yellowknife, Tulita, Deline, and Inuvik. Bulk supplies and food are barged in during the summer months. A winter road links the community to Wrigley.