With rich and varied wildlife, the area has long been a favoured hunting ground of the Tłı̨chǫ (Dogrib Dene) Indigenous people.

The North West Company established a trading post there in 1793, and many natives began settling there permanently, while they continued to hunt and fish in the area.

[1] While trapping, hunting, and fishing continue to be the main economic activities in this traditional community, efforts have been made to develop tourism as well.

A fishing lodge was opened, and many tourists come to see the abundant wildlife, including black bears, barren-ground caribou, wolves, and eagles.

Whatì has a subarctic climate (Köppen: Dfc; Trewartha: Ecld) with mild to warm summers and long cold winters.