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Edmonton entrepreneur, Cy Becker, established the Northern Transportation Company Limited (NTCL) in 1931. In 1936, the company was purchased by Charles and Gilbert Labine who in turn sold it to Eldorado Mining for $87,500. In 1942, Eldorado became a crown corporation. In 1976, NTCL ceased to be part of Eldorado Mining and became an independent entity, although still a crown corporation. NTCL had a profound effect on the development of the western arctic. Although purchased to supply Elorado mining, it always acted as a general carrier. In 1948, the NTCL was dominant in the arctic transportation industry in the Northwest Territories and in 1960, NTCL received the contract to supply DEW line sites and began operating on the Arctic Ocean. The Company's operations are divided into two main geographic sections: the Mackenzie/Western Arctic (including the Kitikmeot Region of Nunavut and Alaska) and the Eastern Arctic, which is comprised of the Kivalliq and Baffin Regions of Nunavut. Service in the Mackenzie River watershed began in 1934 and along the Western Arctic Coast and Islands in 1957. Service was extended to encompass the North Slope of Alaska in 1963. Cargo arrives by rail or truck at NTCL's largest operating terminal located at Hay River. It is then transported across Great Slave Lake, down the Mackenzie River to Tuktoyaktuk and along the Arctic coast eastward to Taloyoak and westward to Point Hope, Alaska. In addition to its Regional Offices, NTCL maintains two operating terminals in the Mackenzie Western Arctic, located at Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk. Its extensive maritime route system in this sector is serviced by a large fleet of tugs and dual-purpose shallow draft barges, which carry both, bulk petroleum products and dry cargo. NTCL's operations in the Kivalliq region were established in 1975 out of Churchill, Manitoba. The communities of Arviat, Whale Cove, Rankin Inlet, Chesterfield Inlet, Baker Lake and Coral Harbour are serviced through NTCL's Regional Office located at Rankin Inlet and its receiving terminal at Churchill. The company operates one tug, the M.V. Keewatin, and four dual-purpose 1800 series barges in the performance of its Kivalliq service. In 1996, NTCL began to supply fuel to all communities in the Baffin region. Although, NTCL's primary function is marine transportation, it also provides full range integrated logistics support services. Extensive marine maintenance and repair services are conducted in Hay River. Other services include warehousing and distribution, equipment chartering and leasing, steel fabrication and machining, electronic sales and service and the sale of industrial parts and supplies. NTCL is a member of the NorTerra group of companies.

In 1946, the Forest and Wildlife Division of the Northwest Territories was created by the Department of Mines and Resources with the responsibility of providing some protection for renewable resources and creating comprehensive management plans. Fire protection was one of the pillars of accomplishing these aims. The Division was headquartered in Fort Smith and fire protection efforts centred on that region, with services expanded to other areas gradually. A forest protection ordinance was enacted in 1951 and in 1959, the fire protection section was named the Mackenzie Forest Service (MFS).

Responsibility for the Forest and Wildlife division and later MFS changed hands from the Department of Mines and Resources to the Department of Resources and Development in 1950, the Department of Northern Affairs and National Resources in 1953, and finally the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (in the Northern Affairs Program) in 1966.

In 1972, following a disastrous 1971 fire season, the Mackenzie Forest Service was reorganized and renamed the Northwest Lands and Forest Service (NLFS). It was placed under the direction of a regional superintendent and focused on resource management activities, including land use enforcement, land administration, timber management, water quality control, and fire management. A new fire protection policy was created and implemented in 1973.

After another disastrous fire season in 1979, a Ministerial Fire Review panel was appointed, holding meetings in the western NWT and coordinating research projects. They presented their report in the spring of 1980, which featured 96 recommendations. A new fire management policy was announced in 1980-81 and implemented in 1983 to improve fire-fighting procedures and increase community involvement, including the creation of a Fire Management Program Committee. Also in the 1980s, the regional office in Fort Smith became known as the Territorial Forest Fire Centre.

Devolution of the forestry and fire programs from the federal Government to the Territorial government, specifically the Department of Renewable Resources, began in 1985 and was put into effect on April 1, 1987.

The Northwest Territories Archives Council was created in 1988. The mandate of the council is to secure recognition of archives as a unique heritage source within the Northwest Territories, facilitate cooperative ventures between its members, encourage the establishment of archival repositories in the Northwest Territories, rationalize acquisition policies, offer training in archival science and promote the recognition, documentation and preservation of traditional knowledge shared orally, as a principle means of preserving and promoting the cultures and languages of indigenous peoples in the Northwest Territories.

The roots of the Northwest Territories’ college system begins with the adult education programs offered by the federal government, usually out of the federal day schools in communities across the NWT. During the late 1960s, Frontier College was also contracted to create a system of community-based adult education, with accompanying legislation being passed in 1974.
Responsibility for education, including adult education, was transferred to the territorial government in 1969. Also in 1969, the Adult Vocational Training Centre (AVTC) was established in Fort Smith, following a Heavy Equipment Operators course offered at nearby Fox Holes 1968. Canada Manpower/CEIC began sponsoring programs at AVTC in 1971 and in 1981, AVTC became Thebacha College.

However, there was recognition that program delivery at the community level was desirable, creating Arctic College in 1984 with campuses in Iqaluit and Fort Smith. Campuses were eventually established in each region of the Northwest Territories with headquarters in Yellowknife. The Arctic College Act was passed in 1986, making it an arm’s length corporate entity and giving it the mandate to deliver adult and post-secondary education. The Aurora Campus in Inuvik was established in 1987. By 1990 the community learning centres were also rolled into the College system.

In 1992, the head office of Arctic College was decentralized to Fort Smith and Iqaluit to prepare for the creation of two colleges as part of the preparations for division with Nunavut. On January 1, 1995 Nunavut Arctic College was established for the Eastern Arctic and Aurora College for the Western Arctic. The Science Institute of the Northwest Territories (SINT) was also rolled into the colleges to provide an in-house research institute for each.

The Northwest Territories Arts and Crafts Council (NWT ACC) was a non-profit society formed in 1978 with financial assistance from the Department of Economic Development and Tourism. The object of the Council was to promote and encourage the development of quality crafts and craftsmanship within the Northwest Territories. Policy was set by an elected board of directors and the Council published a newsletter and monthly news bulletin as a communication vehicle between crafts-people. The NWT Arts and Crafts Council was affiliated with the Canadian Crafts Council and World Crafts Council. After its founding, the Council sent delegates to the World Crafts Council in Vienna and Simon Qamanirq, the Chair, attended annual meetings of the Canadian Craft Council. The organization struggled and while it could obtain project funding, it could not obtain core funding, and it eventually dissolved in 1985.

The roots of the Northwest Territories’ college system begins with the adult education programs offered by the federal government, usually out of the federal day schools in communities across the NWT. During the late 1960s, Frontier College was also contracted to create a system of community-based adult education, with accompanying legislation being passed in 1974.
Responsibility for education, including adult education, was transferred to the territorial government in 1969. Also in 1969, the Adult Vocational Training Centre (AVTC) was established in Fort Smith, following a Heavy Equipment Operators course offered at nearby Fox Holes 1968. Canada Manpower/CEIC began sponsoring programs at AVTC in 1971 and in 1981, AVTC became Thebacha College.

However, there was recognition that program delivery at the community level was desirable, creating Arctic College in 1984 with campuses in Iqaluit and Fort Smith. Campuses were eventually established in each region of the Northwest Territories with headquarters in Yellowknife. The Arctic College Act was passed in 1986, making it an arm’s length corporate entity and giving it the mandate to deliver adult and post-secondary education. The Aurora Campus in Inuvik was established in 1987. By 1990 the community learning centres were also rolled into the College system.

In 1992, the head office of Arctic College was decentralized to Fort Smith and Iqaluit to prepare for the creation of two colleges as part of the preparations for division with Nunavut. On January 1, 1995 Nunavut Arctic College was established for the Eastern Arctic and Aurora College for the Western Arctic. The Science Institute of the Northwest Territories (SINT) was also rolled into the colleges to provide an in-house research institute for each.

Aurora College has transfer agreements and partnerships with a wide variety of technical schools, colleges and universities throughout Canada and the circumpolar world. It offers trade and apprenticeship training, certificate, diploma and degree programs, adult literacy, and basic and continuing education courses.

Aurora College is governed by a Board of Governors, appointed by the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. The Board determines policies for the administration of the College, recommends priorities to the Ministers for programs and courses, and manages the College’s finances, among other duties. The head of Aurora College is the President, who is appointed by the Minister and is a non-voting member of the Board. The President supervises, administers and directs the operation of the College in accordance with the Board’s direction. There are currently campuses in Inuvik (Aurora Campus), Fort Smith (Thebacha Campus), and Yellowknife (North Slave Campus), with Community Learning Centres in most of the NWT’s other communities. Headquarters is in Fort Smith.

The Northwest Territories Business Development and Investment Corporation (commonly known as BDIC) was established on April 1, 2005 as a Crown Corporation of the Government of the Northwest Territories. BDIC is an amalgamation of the NWT Business Credit Corporation, the NWT Development Corporation, and Canada Business NWT (formerly Canada Business NWT Business Service Centre), which is operated in partnership with Industry Canada.

BDIC is mandated to support the economic objectives of the Government of the Northwest Territories in a manner that benefits the people and the economy of the Northwest Territories by encouraging the creation and development of business enterprises; providing financial assistance to business enterprises, either on its own or as a complement to private sector or other financing; directling investing in business enterprises; and providing information to business enterprises and members of the public respecting the establishment and operation of businesses and other business matters.

BDIC is managed by a Board of Directors and reports to the minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment. Its day to day affairs are managed by a CEO and staff. Its two main delivery areas are Financial Programs (including credit programs, subsidiaries, contributions, and venture investments) and Business Support Services (information services through Canada Business NWT). They also lend support to Community Futures Development Corporations throughout the NWT.

The Centennial Centre was established in February 1969 to help coordinate the celebration of 1970 as the centennial year of the Northwest Territories. In January 1969, the Council of the Northwest Territories approved the celebration of 1970 as the centennial of the Northwest Territories. A Centennial Planning Conference was held in February 1969 at which time delegates from across the Northwest Territories supported the primacy of the notion of community driven initiatives. Plans for local community events, Inter-Community and Territorial events were developed. The Centennial Centre, lead by E.A. Ballantyne as the Director General of Centennial was tasked with assisting with the planning and coordination of these events as well as managing and dispersing resources allocated by the Federal and Territorial Governments. The Centennial Centre also took the lead on territorial initiatives such the Centennial Newsletter, the Centennial Calendar, The Centennial Medallion, The Centennial Map and the Centennial Ball.

The Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations (DAAIR) formed in 2006-2007 when the Department of Aboriginal Affairs gained the intergovernmental relations function from the Department of Executive. The Department of Aboriginal Affairs had also been responsible for devolution and resource revenue functions, however with the formation of the DAAIR, these functions remained with the Executive.

The Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations was the central agency that supported the Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations. The Department managed and coordinated the participation of the GNWT in all land, resource and self-government negotiations. It was also responsible for negotiating and developing implementation plans and providing strategic advice on Aboriginal and Intergovernmental Relations in the NWT, Canada and internationally.

The Department consisted of five divisions: the Directorate Division, Negotiations Division, Implementation Division, Intergovernmental Relations Division and Policy, Legislation and Communications Division. The Directorate Division managed the internal operations of the Department. It was responsible for providing strategic advice and support to the Minister and the Department. In addition to internal management responsibilities, the Directorate provided strategic advice and support to the Minister and the Department on political and constitutional development, and on Intergovernmental relations with Aboriginal leaders and organizations territorially, nationally and internationally. It also coordinated the financial and business planning for the Department. The Directorate helped to support Aboriginal organizations through and grants and contributions program that provides core funding to Métis Locals, funding to Aboriginal organizations for special events such as Aboriginal Day, and funding to municipalities to allow for planning and participation in self-government negotiations.

The Negotiations Division participated in land, resource and self-government negotiations, as well as treaty land entitlement negotiations that were active within the NWT. It was responsible for representing the interests of the GNWT at each table, as well as the interests of all NWT residents. In self-government negotiations, territorial jurisdiction or law-making authorities and the programs and services are under negotiation. New systems of governance emerged into the northern political landscape as agreements were finalized and implemented. There were new regional and community systems of governance, some representing a combination of Aboriginal and public governments, while others the creation of Aboriginal government only. As of 2007-2008, there were five Aboriginal organizations negotiating self-government agreements with Canada and the GNWT: the Gwich’in Tribal Council; the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation; the Deline First Nation; Tulita Yamoria Secretariat; and the Norman Wells Land Corporation. All five groups reached a final land claims agreement.

The Implementation Division was responsible for negotiating implementation plans, and managing and monitoring the implementation of settled land, resource and self-government agreements. The process for negotiating or developing an implementation plan varied depending on the particular interests of the three parties at the negotiation table. Terms of reference are usually developed first to guide the start up of an implementation working group. The working group consists of representatives from the GNWT, Federal government and Aboriginal claimant group and is responsible for identifying all activities and obligations flowing from the agreement-in-principle. After a final agreement and other corollary agreements, including the implementation plan, received Royal Assent in the House of Commons, a formal Implementation Committee is established to oversee, direct and monitor ongoing implementation of the agreement. This committee is comprised of representatives form the GNWT, Canada and Aboriginal claimant group. The Committee is also responsible for reviewing or amending the implementation plan as required. As for 2007-2008, there are three implementation plans being carried out in the NWT: Gwich’in Implementation Plan, Sahtu Implementation Plan and Tlicho Implementation plan. Implementation plans are being negotiated at Deline self-government. Progress reports are published to keep beneficiaries and the public informed. The implementation committee produces annual reports and other information items to report on the status of each plan.

The Intergovernmental Relations Division ensured the interests and aspirations of the residents of the NWT are reflected in the GNWT participation in intergovernmental activities. This division is responsible for managing the Government’s relationships with federal, provincial and territorial governments and with circumpolar countries in all matters of intergovernmental significance. It provides strategic advice on matters pertaining to federal-provincial-territorial relations and in domestic matters that have intergovernmental or government-wide implications. Participation ranged from involvement in national initiatives and policy development, to initiating and developing cross-departmental strategies, to shaping strategies led by other GNWT departments.

The Policy, Legislation and Communications Division developed public and internal policies and legislative proposals for the Department. The division also provides advice to the Minister and Deputy Minister, and developed instructions and mandates for the GNWT’s participation in negotiating land, resource and self-government agreements and implementation plans. This division also provides support to GNWT negotiators, participates in central agency review of legislative proposals and is responsible for the overall Department communications. The Policy and Legislation section of this division developed frameworks (instructions and mandates) for the GNWT in the negotiation of Aboriginal land, resource and self-government agreements and associated implementation plans. Frameworks are based on directions and interests of the GNWT, research and comparative analysis of existing, emerging and settled Aboriginal land, resource and self-government agreements. The Policy section also provided support to the Negotiations and Implementation Divisions during negotiation of agreements, development and negotiation of associated implementation plans, and agreement implementation. The Policy section develops legislation arising from GNWT commitments made in the negotiation of land, resource and self-government agreements. The section was also responsible for maintaining current public and internal policy statements of the Department. Advice, information and assistance is provided to the Minister and Deputy Minister, which includes briefings related to the Legislative Assembly and meetings with federal, provincial and territorial governments, Aboriginal leaders an organizations and for other meetings the Minister or Deputy Minister may attend. The Policy and Legislation Section provides support to the Deputy Ministers’ Committee on Aboriginal Rights, which is chaired by the Deputy Minister of DAAIR. It also participates in the Legislative Initiatives Committee’s review of all legislative initiatives from all GNWT departments. The Communications section was responsible for the Department’s overall communication efforts. It developed, recommended and implemented communication projects, strategies, frameworks and systems within the Department. It also contributed to the fulfillment of GNWT communication and consultation obligations that arise from land, resource and self-government negotiations, implementation negotiations and finalized agreements.

On April 1, 2017, the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations merged with the Department of the Executive to form the Department of the Executive and Indigenous Affairs (EIA).

The Directorate Division managed the internal operations of the Department. It was responsible for providing strategic advice and support to the Minister and the Department. In addition to internal management responsibilities, the Directorate provided strategic advice and support to the Minister and the Department on political and constitutional development, and on Intergovernmental relations with Aboriginal leaders and organizations territorially, nationally and internationally. It also coordinated the financial and business planning for the Department. The Directorate helped to support Aboriginal organizations through and grants and contributions program that provides core funding to Métis Locals, funding to Aboriginal organizations for special events such as Aboriginal Day, and funding to municipalities to allow for planning and participation in self-government negotiations.

The Intergovernmental Relations Division ensured the interests and aspirations of the residents of the NWT are reflected in the GNWT participation in intergovernmental activities. This division is responsible for managing the Government’s relationships with federal, provincial and territorial governments and with circumpolar countries in all matters of intergovernmental significance. It provides strategic advice on matters pertaining to federal-provincial-territorial relations and in domestic matters that have intergovernmental or government-wide implications. Participation ranged from involvement in national initiatives and policy development, to initiating and developing cross-departmental strategies, to shaping strategies led by other GNWT departments.

The Department of Administration was established in October of 1971 with the amalgamation of the Department of Treasury (excepting the functions concerning estimates and forecasts) with the general administrative functions of the Department of the Territorial Secretary and the administrative functions of the Department of Personnel. The Department of Administration provided support services to other government departments, managed the Consolidated Revenue Fund, collected all Territorial revenues and performed related treasury activities.

For most of its existence the Department consisted of four divisions:

• The Systems and Computer Services division provided data processing services and development of computer systems.
• The Supply Services division, initially known as Materiel Management, handled purchasing, warehousing and inventory, transportation including sealift and aircraft charters, and management of the supply of petroleum products.
• The Personnel Services division, initially known as Personnel Administration, carried on the functions which were transferred from the Department of Personnel, including staffing, pay and benefits, staff training, and administration of staff housing.
• The Finance and Office Services division was formed in 1972 by merging the Administrative Services division, which originated in the Department of the Territorial Secretary, with the Financial Operations division, which came from the Department of Treasury. This division provided accounting and other financial services, records management, and communications services.

A reorganization of the government in 1975 resulted in the responsibilities of the Department of Administration being divided between several other departments, primarily the Department of Personnel and the Department of Finance.

The Department of Culture and Communications formed in 1985 with the reorganization of the former Department of Information and the addition of the Museums and Heritage Division and Public Library Services, which were transferred from the former Department of Justice and Public Services.

The Department of Culture and Communications was responsible for preserving, promoting and developing northern culture, improving broadcast communications and availability of information, as well as, strengthening national and international understanding of the Northwest Territories. The department provided printing, graphic design, publishing, audio-visual and language services, such as interpreting and translating to the Government of the Northwest Territories. It delivered public programs such as library services, museum services, a cultural affairs program and offered grants in support of cultural activities through various divisions. The department assisted in providing radio and television services to communities and supported regional native communications societies that delivered culturally relevant radio and television programming to the north.

The Directorate Division operated between 1986-1992. It was responsible for the management of the department, development of policies, the direction of public affairs and provided administrative and financial services. It also advised the Executive Council on public relations matters.

The Public Affairs Division operated between 1986-1989 and was responsible for Government of the Northwest Territories public affairs programming, assisting clients in communications programs and providing services to the public through news releases.

The Publications and Production Division was responsible for meeting the graphic design and the publishing needs of the Government of the Northwest Territories through in-house or commercial activities. The division printed and produced a variety of publications including annual reports, the Northwest Territories Gazette, legislation, newsletters and booklets on various government programs and services. The responsibilities of Publication and Production included audio-visual services such as the production and distribution of video programs about the government in native languages. This division was transferred to Government Services and Public Works in August 1992.

The Language Bureau provided interpretation, translation and other communications services to the Government of the Northwest Territories and the Legislative Assembly in all official languages of the Northwest Territories, except Cree. This division included both an aboriginal language and French language section.

The Museums/Heritage Division transferred to Culture and Communications from the Department of Justice and Public Services in 1986. The Museums/Heritage activity was responsible for collecting, preserving, researching, documenting and presenting the cultural and natural history of the Northwest Territories. This function was achieved through museum and archival programs at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre and the Northwest Territories Archives, as well as through the provision of advice, technical support and financial contributions supporting community heritage projects. Other territorial programs administered by the activity included archaeological resource management and geographic name research program that had been transferred from the Executive Department into the Museum Division in 1986.

Library Services were also transferred to Culture and Communications from the Department of Justice and Public Services in 1986. The Library Services division provided some financial assistance to community libraries and maintained the government library, which collected Federal and Territorial Publications, reference material and books in the area of public policy. A grants and contributions program, delivered through Library Services provided funding to municipal councils for the operation of library programs, as well as the training of local staff thorough regional and distance education courses. The Government Library was transferred to the Legislative Assembly in 1992 when Public Library Services became part of the Department of Education, Culture and Employment.

The Cultural Affairs Division operated between 1986-1989; this division supported, promoted and enhanced cultural diversity and the arts in the Northwest Territories. This task was accomplished through the distribution of grants and contributions, research, consultation and the development of policy and legislation. Cultural Affairs also provided administrative services and professional advice to the Northwest Territories Arts Council.

The Northern Communications Program was responsible for maintaining satellite receiving and transmitting equipment and providing CBC radio and television services to the communities of the Northwest Territories. This program evolved into the Audiovisual Section in 1989 and then into the Television and Radio Services Division that operated between 1990-91. Responsibilities included researching and developing the options for GNWT membership in Television Northern Canada (TVNC), which began broadcasting in 1992, as well as the handling of video/film production and distribution needs of the GNWT. This division also provided contributions to community broadcasting societies and regional native communications societies to support the production and broadcast of culturally relevant radio and TV programming in aboriginal languages. The division contributed to the three major regional aboriginal communications groups; Inuit Broadcasting Company, Native Communications Society of the Western Arctic and Inuvialuit Broadcasting Society. Television and Radio Services was also responsible for the maintenance of television and radio facilities in 27 small communities throughout the Northwest Territories.

In August of 1992, the Department of Culture and Communications was combined with the Department of Education, to form the Department of Education, Culture and Employment.