February 10, 2026 – Yellowknife, NT – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Members of the public should expect increased military activity in Sǫ̀mbak’è (Yellowknife), NT and surrounding areas, including the communities of Behchokǫ̀ and Whatì, from February 10 to 27 2026, as part of Operation NANOOK.
Members of the Canadian Armed Forces will establish a temporary deployed headquarters at the Forward Operating Location near the Yellowknife Airport as part of Joint Task Force NUNALIVUT and a camp in the vicinity of Long Lake, including areas of Fred Henne Territorial Park, as part of Task Force GRIZZLY. In addition, the public can expect to see military convoys, including armoured vehicles, artillery, and light over-snow vehicles (snowmobiles) transiting within the city and between communities, as well as military aircraft at the airport.
Fred Henne Territorial Park will remain accessible to the community, though members of the public are asked to respect the security measures in place, while following the direction of military personnel when in proximity to the camps and all military activities. Operations will also be conducted at the Edzo Airport (CRE2) near Behchokǫ̀, and the Northwest Territories Power Corporation’s Bluefish Hydro Station near Prosperous Lake.
Residents may observe a limited noise increase in the vicinity of designated areas during the operation. All activities will take place in controlled locations, with minimal, localized impact to the public anticipated, and no disruption to essential services expected. The Canadian Armed Forces are coordinating closely with local authorities to ensure public safety throughout the operation.
All activities are conducted under the supervision of Joint Task Force (North), which is responsible for Canadian Armed Forces operations in the North, and in coordination with the Government of the Northwest Territories, local governments, the Northwest Territories Power Corporation, and Indigenous partners.
Operation NANOOK-NUNALIVUT is an annual operation that demonstrates the Canadian Armed Forces ability to project and sustain forces in the High Arctic under the harshest conditions, while assessing new capabilities and interoperability with Allies. This year’s Land Task Force activities will include infantry, artillery, engineers, signals, logistics, and headquarters elements primarily drawn from both the Regular and Reserve Forces under 3rd Canadian Division and 1st Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group—headquartered in Edmonton, AB—as well as local personnel from C Coy (Yellowknife Company) Loyal Edmonton Regiment, Joint Task Force (North), and 1 Canadian Ranger Patrol Group.
