Behchoko, NT

St. Michael

• Pastor: Fr. Lawrence Amamchukwu (amalaw2k2@gmail.com)
• Pastoral Leader: Cecilia Rabesca (ceciliarabesca@tlicho.com)

Box 38 Behchoko, NT X0E 0Y0

Parish Phone: (867)392-6221 

Nestled in the Tłı̨chǫ community of Behchokǫ̀ in Canada’s Northwest Territories, St. Michael’s Church stands as a spiritual heart for many residents of this remote northern community. Behchokǫ̀ itself is the largest Dene community in Canada, located roughly 110 km northwest of Yellowknife on the Yellowknife Highway, near the northwest arm of Great Slave Lake. It is home to a predominantly Indigenous population and serves as a cultural and social hub for the Tłı̨chǫ people.

The parish serves as more than a place of worship; it is a hub of community life. It offers regular pastoral services, sacramental celebrations such as Mass, and a place for prayer, reflection, and community gatherings.

Life in Behchokǫ̀ is deeply shaped by both its cultural heritage and its environment, and the Catholic faith plays a significant role for many in the community. According to accounts from missionary sources, a large proportion of residents in and around Behchokǫ̀ identify as Catholic, and the presence of a resident priest is seen as a significant source of spiritual support.

The life of the parish is interconnected with broader communal rhythms and challenges. Anecdotal accounts from recent years describe how, during the COVID-19 pandemic, local restrictions led to church services being livestreamed and significantly affected traditional gatherings, funerals, and sacramental life. These experiences highlight both the centrality of the church in community life and the adaptability of parish ministry in difficult circumstances.

The parish’s long presence in the community and inclusion in diocesan records suggest it has been a fixture for many decades, serving multiple generations. Archival and local historical efforts, including video recordings of parish services from as early as 1995, point to community engagement with the church over time.

In summary, St. Michael’s Church in Behchokǫ̀ is not merely a building but an integral part of community identity and life in this northern Indigenous town. It reflects the enduring presence and role of the Catholic Church in the North, providing spiritual sustenance, community connection, and a place of continuity amid the unique challenges and rhythms of life in the Northwest Territories