The community of Norman Wells sits on the Mackenzie River beside the fourth largest single oil deposit in Canada. The oilfield was initially drilled in 1919 and has been producing oil since.  

With over 800 people, this community serves as the regional centre for the Sahtu. Year round scheduled flights connect Norman Wells with access to Yellowknife, Inuvik and regional communities. During the summer months, barges travel the Mackenzie re-supplying many northern communities along the river. And, during the winter months, the ice road connects Norman Wells with the NWT highway system.

Additional amenities in Norman Wells include grocery stores, restaurants, a local health centre and hotels. The community stays active with easy access to year round recreational activities, including a four-hole golf course and the nearby mountains and Canol Trail. 

The Mackenzie Mountain School provides classes for students from Kindergarten through Grade 12.  Aurora College has a Community Learning Centre as well as a Career Centre within the community.