The Aurora Research Institute operates two facililities, one in Inuvik and the other in Fort Smith. These facilities provide support to researchers operating in those areas. Support services are available to anyone conducting research, regardless of the sponsoring agency.

Inuvik Facility

The facility in Inuvik has been operating since 1964. It is ideally located to support researchers working in the northern NWT as well as northern Yukon. Inuvik acts as a regional centre for the region and is located just south of the treeline on the eastern edge of the Mackenzie Delta. With a resident population of 2,894 (2001 census), Inuvik is accessible via the Dempster Highway or by daily jet service from Edmonton and Yellowknife with Canadian North and First Air as well as three times weekly from Whitehorse via Air North.

To date, more than 2000 research projects, involving more than 1500 researchers, have been conducted using the Inuvik Facility. The Facility operates year-round and can provide researchers with office facilities, access to a research library, Internet, laboratories and accommodation for up to 20 researchers. In addition, the Facility is equipped with storage and freezer facilities and can provide field equipment to researchers. Examples of equipment available include snowmobiles, toboggans, boats and motors, tents, radios, satellite phones, sleeping bags, and camping accessories (view Fee Schedule for complete list and prices). Research and monitoring services can also be provided on a contractual basis as well as the facilitation of hiring local research assistants.

Please contact the Manager, Inuvik Facility for more information on services available,  as well as information on regional field stations, at (867) 777-3298 Ext. 26.

Fort Smith Facility

The facility in Fort Smith is located on the west bank of the Slave River at the NWT/Alberta border, home of the Wood Buffalo National Park headquarters. The community of approximately 2,185 (2001 Census) residents is accessible by both road and air with Northwestern Air Lease. This facility is located in Thebacha Campus of Aurora College and is a relatively new facility (1991) resulting from a partnership between communigty agencies and government..

The Facility is able to provide office space for use by researchers, shared laboratory and GIS capabilities, access to Thebacha Campus Library and Internet. The Facility conducts research as required by the community and can act as liaison or carry out contractual research and/or assist in the hiring of local research assistants.

Please contact the Manager, Fort Smith Facility for more information on services available at (867) 872-4909.