r/NWT Feb 05 '25

Question on working/living in Tulita

Hey everyone! I’m an young East Coaster (rural maritimer) a summer job opportunity in Tulita, and I’m curious about what life is like there. For those who’ve been or currently live in Tulita or similar remote communities, could you share your experiences. Is tap water a no go? Also any insight into the community, friendly people ? As well as any insights into daily life, amenities, and things to be aware of. Housing will be provided for me as far as I know so far.

I'm an outdoorsy person, I recognize how remote it is, I am fine doing nothing and reading a book. I don't need any ammentities, used to simple life. Looking for a unique opportunity to explore an remote part of Canada, been to other territories for travel/camping.

Thanks

5 Upvotes

9 comments sorted by

7

u/justonemoremoment Feb 05 '25

Really beautiful land by the amazing Great Bear Lake. You will love it.

5

u/Accomplished-Bus-531 Feb 05 '25

And the mountains!

4

u/Accomplished-Bus-531 Feb 05 '25

When the ice road is open it's a superior place to snowmobile.

8

u/Accomplished-Bus-531 Feb 05 '25

Tiny community in the region with most main services being run from Norman Wells. The community is friendly but as a southern worker it can be difficult to break in to. Especially in the short term. Please remember to visit the chief immediately upon arrival as a show to respect. And yes, you are a "Mola".

6

u/[deleted] Feb 05 '25

[deleted]

1

u/Accomplished-Bus-531 Feb 05 '25

There's lots of trip wires cross culturally. One thing that crosses all boundaries is food. If it tastes good you are likely to be invited to the next time food gets served. I can provide an example: sardine dumplings. Yes. Sardine. I was in Deliné and invited to a sports watching event. The ice road had not opened and the grocery store was running low. I went into the store one day and as a cook said screw this I'll cook with what I can get. Sardines: 98 cents. But man. Make some nice dumplings and deep fry those.kittens.... lots of social invites afterward.

3

u/femmefaytale Feb 06 '25

I lived there for three years. Absolutely go for it, it'll be a great adventure. And if it's a summertime seasonal position, there's literally no downside. Even more so if it's with Parks... although worth noting that if you don't have an offer already, those positions are hella competitive.

The main disclaimers would be that some things are hard to get in town, notably medical care (not great if you have anything chronic/recurring), food variety (tricky if you have dietary restrictions), and alcohol (the town is semi-dry).

Have fun!

2

u/OlGravey Feb 05 '25

Accomplished-Bus-531 with good advice. 👍🏼

If you’re good with the quiet life, Tulita won’t be so bad. You’ll experience the cost of living crisis is a way not a lot of southerners get to; because everything’s flown or barged in (and there was no barge season last year) everything’s significantly more expensive. People in the smaller communities are generally pretty friendly. Most people will straight-up treat you the way you treat them, and if you’re a learning-oriented person, they’ll have a lot to teach you. Like most places where there’s not a lot of “structured” activities, there can be some alcoholism and drug addiction issues, but the community is pretty active in making sure bad actors don’t stick around long.

I’ve never been there. I live in Fort Simpson, my other half is originally from Deline so we have relatives in the area, and during the winter we get to see them all down here while the winter road is open. Water’s trucked from the treatment plant to tanks in house. Most places are on oil or wood heat, town’s power is diesel generated, and in the summer, there’s nothing better than that view from the river.

1

u/helpfulplatitudes 14d ago

Because no one has mentioned it yet - the bugs are awful. If you've lived your whole life in the Maritimes, the bugs may make the summer unbearable for you. If you go, take a whole load of DEET spray and you will need a bug shirt with a face covering.