All research conducted in the Northwest Territories (NWT)—including water-related research—requires a licence or permit. Depending on the topic or location of the research project multiple research licences might be required.

• Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, GNWT (archaeological research)
• Department of Environment and Climate Change, GNWT (wildlife research)
• Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Government of Canada (research on marine and freshwater life, including fish and marine mammals; **note: research projects that fall under this category also require a licence from the Aurora Research Institute)
• Aurora Research Institute, GNWT (all other research in NWT, including biological sciences, physical sciences, contaminants, traditional knowledge, engineering, social science and health-based research)
• Parks Canada Agency, Government of Canada (require a licence for any research within their boundaries)
• Additional licences/permits from other agencies—for example, the NWT Regional Contaminants Committee, may be required depending on the type of research being conducted. 

As a researcher, you need to contact the relevant agencies and communities at least three months in advance of your anticipated research start date in the NWT.

More information about conducting research in the NWT, along with specific community perspectives, and information on recently issued licences,is available from  the Aurora Research Institute.