Nahanni National Park Reserve Historic Timeline
Fur Trade
For thousands of years the Dene (also known as the Slavey) people have inhabited and used these lands. Around the 18th century European fur Traders started expanding into the region. As the trading increased trading posts were established in Fort Simpson and Fort Liard.
1700's - 1800's
Klondike Gold Rush
The Yukon, the famous gold fields were very popular during the Gold Rush time as many wanted to find their fortune. People began stampeding to the fields and some attempted to use Nahanni as a passage or walkway to the Yukon. Some tried to make their fortune on the flat and south nahanni river, no gold was found.
1897 - 1899
The Mcleod Brothers Discovery
Legends told of haunted valleys and lost gold began to emerge after the Metis brothers, Willie and Frank Mcleod, were found headless within the harsh land of the Nahanni area. Many disappeared without a trace, and stories of fierce mountain men began to spread. Deadmen Valley, Headless Creek, Headless Range and The Funeral Range are named after these stories and legends.
1908
1972
Established
Nahanni, 4,765.2 km2 of natural land, mountains that never end and a river that stretches a lifetime, was originally established by then Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau. It remained in reserve status for six years until outstanding aboriginal land claims were agreed upon.
World Heritage Site
It took six years for the United Nations to establish Nahanni as a World Heritage Site. This designation legally protected the land by all international treaties because of its cultural, historical and scientific significance.
1978
2003 - 2009
Expansion Of Protected Land
After agreements had been made between Parks Canada and the Dehcho First Nations, an additional 23,000 km2 was given temporary protection. The federal government later added 5,400 km2. After all final negotiations Nahanni National Park Reserve remains today a total of 30,050 km2 of protected land.
Dead Man Valley - Free Parking Productions
Nahanni National Park Reserve Map
Willie And Frank Mcleod
If you'd like to find out some more information on some of the folklore history on Nahanni check this site out.