Sambaa K'e

Sambaa K'e is a small settlement situated along the shores of Trout Lake in the Dehcho Region of Northwest Territories. The hamlet sits at approximately 500 meters elevation and is surrounded by boreal forest that extends in all directions.

The settlement began as a trading post in the late 1700s when fur trading companies recognized the area's rich resources. The original community retained the European name Trout Lake for about 2 centuries before adopting its Indigenous name Sambaa K'e in 2016.

The Sambaa K'e First Nation preserves its South Slavey language and traditional ways within the community. Residents actively maintain these practices as part of daily life and connection to the land.

Access to the hamlet is by charter aircraft or winter roads since no permanent road connection exists. Basic services including a general store, health center, and seasonal lodge are available for visitors.

The community operates with complete independence from road access, relying entirely on its aerodrome and seasonal winter ice roads. This isolation has shaped how residents organize logistics and maintain connections to the wider region.

Location: Region 4, Northwest Territories

Inception: 1796

Elevation above the sea: 495 m

GPS coordinates: 60.44250,-121.24500

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:07