On November 4, 2026, Consul General Mme. Zhao Liying published a byline article titled Beneath the Northern Lights: Discovering the Northwest Territories Reflections and Hopes from a Visit to Yellowknife on the Yellowknifer. The full text is as follows:
As Consul General of China in Calgary, I have had the opportunity in the past to visit Yellowknife, the capital of the Northwest Territories. I was delighted to return last month, when the landscape is touched by the colours of fall. Away from the bustle of major cities, Yellowknife offers breathtaking natural scenery, a rich Indigenous cultural heritage and promising opportunities for development rooted in its vast landscapes and natural resources. This brief visit deepened my appreciation for the distinctive character of northern Canada and strengthened my hope for closer ties and future cooperation between the Northwest Territories and China.
1. Experiencing the Beauty of the North and the Distinctive Appeal of the Northwest Territories
The aurora borealis is undoubtedly Yellowknife’s most iconic attraction.As night falls and the world grows quiet, ribbons of green light ripple across the sky, creating a magnificent natural spectacle. In that moment,you cannot help but slow down, awed by the grandeur of nature and reminded of your own smallness. Yet Yellowknife’s appeal extends beyond the brilliance of the northern lights. Its star-filled skies, tranquil lakes and vast wilderness offer a rare sense of stillness—and a reminder of the importance of living in harmony with nature.
The Northwest Territories is equally remarkable for its rich Indigenous cultures. Indigenous peoples, including the Dene, have called this region home for generations. Their languages, stories, art and traditional knowledge are integral to the cultural fabric of the territory. The land is more than a place to live; it is also a repository of collective memory,identity and spirit. Preserving Indigenous cultural heritage is therefore essential to safeguarding the region’s distinctive history and living traditions.
The vast landscapes of the Northwest Territories also hold considerable promise for the future. With extensive forests, countless lakes and abundant mineral and energy resources, including diamonds and natural gas, the territory has a strong natural resource base. It also offers opportunities in clean energy and specialized fisheries. The challenge is to realize this potential responsibly—protecting the environment, respecting Indigenous rights and ensuring that development proceeds along a sustainable path.
2. Bridging Distances and Discovering Common Ground Between China and Canada
My visit to northern Canada brought to mind China’s vast territory and remarkable regional diversity. From the forests and snow-covered landscapes of the northeast to the expansive grasslands and mineral wealth of the west, regions across China are exploring ways to translate their natural resource advantages into new opportunities for development.
China offers a large market, a comprehensive industrial base and growing technological capabilities. The Northwest Territories, in turn, has abundant mineral, energy and fishery resources, as well as distinctive tourism assets. These complementary strengths create opportunities for cooperation in responsible resource development, clean energy and the processing of specialty products. Thousands of kilometres may separate us, but distance need not stand in the way. By identifying shared priorities and practical areas of cooperation, we can create opportunities for mutual benefit.
There is also considerable scope for dialogue and mutual learning between Indigenous peoples in Canada and the ethnic minority groups of China. While their histories and traditions are distinct, both cherish their languages, customs, community bonds and cultural heritage, and share an appreciation for the close relationship between people and nature. Traditional stories, festivals and crafts reflect a deep sense of belonging and a commitment to keeping cultural traditions alive.
Exchanges need not begin with grand initiatives. A cultural exhibition, the sharing of traditional stories or even a heartfelt conversation among young people can open the door to greater understanding. The purpose of cultural exchange is not to erase differences, but to respect them, learn from one another and discover the common ground that brings us closer.
3. From an Encounter to a Partnership: Building a Better Future Together
Friendship between China and Canada is built not only on relations between the two governments, but also on the bonds forged between communities and people. My visit to Yellowknife has reinforced my belief that the Northwest Territories’ spectacular natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage and abundant natural resources offer a strong foundation for deeper engagement and closer ties with China.
Looking ahead, I hope to see closer collaboration in trade and economic development, tourism, fisheries, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges. There is considerable scope for dialogue and practical cooperation in areas such as mineral resource development, clean energy,seafood processing and sustainable fisheries management. By promoting northern Canada as a travel destination and developing distinctive tourism experiences, we can encourage more Chinese visitors to discover the Northwest Territories’ magnificent northern lights, pristine lakes and vibrant Indigenous cultures. I also warmly welcome friends from the territory to visit China, experience its diverse landscapes and explore its rich cultural heritage.
As I left Yellowknife, I took with me not only wonderful memories of the northern lights and northern landscapes, but also a deep respect for this land and a renewed hope for future cooperation. The aurora draws people from far away to witness its beauty; friendship can bring us closer across oceans and mountains. May the bonds of friendship between China and Canada reach the lakes, forests and communities of the Northwest Territories, bringing people together through exchange and creating shared benefits through cooperation as we write a new chapter in our work towards a better future.