Ceremonial Circle
The Ceremonial Circle was officially launched on March 31, 1999 and was the site of the Northwest Territories' celebrations to mark the creation of two new territories, Nunavut and a new NWT, in Canada's North.
Located behind City Hall on the walkway leading to the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre and the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories, the Ceremonial Circle is an area that celebrates the Northwest Territories, its people and many cultures. The Circle is a gathering place for people and can be used by any group wanting to celebrate special events.
The end of the site nearest to City Hall features a cement circular pad with a ceremonial fire pit, an important cultural component added to honor the many Aboriginal peoples of this great territory.
Around the outside fly the flags of the partners to the Ceremonial Circle. The partners to the Circle are the Federal Government through the Millennium fund, the Legislative Assembly, the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs, Government of the Northwest Territories, City of Yellowknife, RCMP, Department of National Defense - Northern Area Headquarters, Dene Nation, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation and Metis Nation.
The flags of the 33 communities in the NWT align the path crossing the end of Frame Lake leading to the Heritage Centre and Legislative Assembly. Each flagpole features a plaque that shows each community's name in the Aboriginal language of the area and then the official name.
The Circle lies within the Capital Park Area where many of the NWT's main public buildings are located. The Park offers both residents and visitors to Yellowknife, the capital city, many opportunities to further explore and understand the Northwest Territories: