Sources: Department of Municipal and Community Affairs,[5] Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre,[6] Canada Flight Supplement[7] ^A 2013 figure based on Edmonton = 100[8] ^B 2015 figure based on Yellowknife = 100[8]
The area is within the traditional territory of the Tłı̨chǫ (Dogrib) First Nations and was a popular hunting camp prior to permanent settlement. In the 1960s, Dene elders around Behchokǫ̀ decided to return to the land and establish traditional camps in the bush. Gamètì was established during this time, although in more recent years it too has become a modern community with essential services of its own. The community was officially known as Rae Lakes until August 4, 2005.
Before 2005, the community was unincorporated, and local governance was provided by a First Nations band government, Gameti First Nation. Under the terms of the Tłı̨chǫ Agreement, most responsibilities of Gamètì have been transferred to a new Gamètì Community Government. However, the First Nation is still recognized by the federal government for Indian Act enrollment.
Sources: NWT Bureau of Statistics (2001 - 2017)[20]
In the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Gamètì had a population of 252 living in 82 of its 104 total private dwellings, a change of -9.4% from its 2016 population of 278. With a land area of 9.04 km2 (3.49 sq mi), it had a population density of 27.9/km2 (72.2/sq mi) in 2021.[19]
The community, which is served by the Gamètì/Rae Lakes Airport, does not have all-weather road access, but an ice road is sometimes built in the winter. There is a daycare in the Gamètì and the Jean Wetrade School that provides education up to grade 12, along with a community learning centre. Other services include a post office, a two-member RCMP detachment, a health centre, with one nurse and the Rae Lakes General Store.[21]
Climate
Gamètì has a subarctic climate[22] (Dfc) with the average high throughout the year averaging below the freezing point. Due to it being below the tree line it has relatively warm but short summers.
^"Rae Lakes". Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010. Environment Canada. Climate ID: 2203359. Archived from the original(CSV (3069 KB)) on 2020-03-13. Retrieved 2014-01-09.
Further reading
Northwest Territories, and BHP Billiton Diamonds Inc. Communities and Diamonds Socio-Economic Impacts in the Communities of: Behchoko, Gameti, Whati, Wekweeti, Detah, Ndilo, Lutsel K'e, and Yellowknife : 2005 Annual Report of the Government of the Northwest Territories Under the BHP Billiton, Diavik and De Beers Socio-Economic Agreements. [Yellowknife]: Govt. of the Northwest Territories, 2006.