Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre turns 40

Yellowknife’s Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre celebrates its 40th anniversary on Saturday.

In April 1979, Prince Charles himself attended the museum’s opening.

Events to mark that moment – and share the centre’s collection of northern artifacts and archives – begin at 12pm.

Sarah Carr-Locke, the museum’s director, has been preparing the event for the past six months.

Carr-Locke hopes people will come out, see the significance of the museum, and understand the contribution it makes.

“What we’re doing is for the people,” she said at a preview event ahead of the celebration. “We want people to know, and share, and work with us on preserving and celebrating heritage and culture in the territory.”

Saturday’s event offers opportunities to explore the museums contents alongside music, jigging, storytelling, activities, and traditional games.

“Something that I think will be interesting is ‘ask an expert.’ Staff will be throughout the building at stations and can give you information about the jobs they do. We’ll have people, in all the galleries, that have expertise on that exhibit,” said Carr-Locke.

The museum’s first-ever director, Dr Bob Janes, will also speak at the event, which runs until 4pm and includes a free “yard sale” of previous exhibit photos, alongside t-shirts for sale.