Geography of Northwest Territories Geography of Northwest Territories The Northwest Territories is a territory in Northern Canada, specifically in Northwestern Canada between Yukon Territory and Nunavut including part of Victoria Island, Melville Island, and other islands on the western Arctic Archipelago. Originally a much wider territory enclosing most of central and northern Canada, the Northwest Territories was created in 1870 from the Hudson's Bay Company's holdings that were sold to Canada from 1869-1870. In addition, Alberta and Saskatchewan were formed from the territory in 1905. In 1999, it was divided again: the eastern portion became the new territory of Nunavut. Yellowknife stands as its
1992 Nunavut creation referendum 1992 Nunavut creation referendum A referendum on the creation of the territory of Nunavut was held between 3 and 5 November 1992 in the territory set to become the new territory. It was approved by 69% of voters. On 25 May 1993 the Mulroney government and the TFN signed the Nunavut Agreement. On 10 June 1993 the federal Parliament passed two laws dividing the Northwest Territories and providing for the formation of Nunavut on 1 April 1999. A 1982 referendum had approved the division of the Northwest Territories and the creation of a new territory, later to become Nunavut. The