Sambaa K'e, formerly known as Trout Lake, is a unique and captivating "Designated Authority" nestled in the Dehcho Region of the Northwest Territories, Canada. This charming community, whose name in the Slavey language means "place of trout," is situated near the Alberta border, east of Fort Liard, and on the shore of the lake also known as Sambaa K'e.
Despite not having an all-weather road, reaching Sambaa K'e is an adventure in itself. Early in the year, the community can be accessed by a winter road. Alternatively, the Sambaa K'e Aerodrome offers year-round air travel, making the community accessible at any time of the year.
On June 21, 2016, the settlement officially embraced its roots by changing its name from "Trout Lake" to "Sambaa K'e", its name in the Slavey language, meaning "place of trout".
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Sambaa K’e is home to 97 residents living in 49 private dwellings. This represents a 10.2% increase from its 2016 population of 88. With a land area of 118.01 km2 (45.56 sq mi), it had a population density of 0.8/km2 (2.1/sq mi) in 2021. The majority of its 2016 population (80 people) are First Nations, with 45 reporting South Slavey as their first language.
The Dene of Sambaa K'e are represented by the Sambaa K'e First Nation and are proud members of the Dehcho First Nations.
Sambaa K'e offers a variety of services to its residents. The community boasts a small general store and a health centre. Although there is no RCMP, Canada Post mail arrives weekly by charter plane. Residents can also order books, movies, and CDs through the Borrow by Mail program offered by the NWT Public Library Services.
The community is served by the Sambaa K'e Aerodrome, and in the summer, the Trout Lake Water Aerodrome is in operation. For those seeking an authentic northern fishing experience, the community runs the Sambaa K'e Fishing Lodge during the summer months.
