Whatì

Whatì, NWT, established as community government in 2005, population 492 (2011c), 460 (2006c). The community of Whatì (earlier spelling Wha Ti) is located on Lac La Martre, 164 km northwest of Yellowknife. Whatì is a translation of the original name, Lac La Martre (Marten Lake), named for the lake on which it is located. The origin of the name Lac La Martre is unclear. It may be an acknowledgement of the marten that were trapped in the area, but an alternative theory is that it is a corruption of "Lac de la Mort" (Lake of Death) because of a scarlet fever epidemic in which a large band of Natives perished.

The community is located in a rich traditional hunting area of the Tlicho. The North West Company established a small post at Lac La Martre in 1793. The people of Whatì still follow a traditional way of life. Economic activities include hunting, trapping and fishing. Some residents also produce beaded moccasins and clothing for sale.

A hamlet from 1986-2005, this municipal structure was replaced with community government when the Tlicho Land Claim agreement came into affect. An elected chief, who also is a member on the Tlicho Assembly, governs Whatì.