The GNWT announced on July 28 that it has introduced two changes to the Vital Statistics Act.
NWT residents can now use single traditional names as their legal names, as long as the name is based on their traditional culture.
The amendment to the act supports the efforts of NWT Indigenous people to reclaim their traditions and culture. This also applies to residents from other cultures that have a tradition of single names.
Individuals born in the NWT may now apply to change the gender on their birth registrations without first having to undergo gender reassignment surgery.
The NWT is the first jurisdiction in Canada to offer a third gender option.
Individuals who do not identify as male or female can now choose gender X on their birth certificate if they were born in the NWT.
