As the NWT has a consensus government, the premier is elected by and from the members of the legislative assembly, who are not divided into parties.
| Name | Term |
|---|---|
| Sir Frederick W. A. G. Haultain | 1897-1905 |
| NWT governed by a commissioner | |
| George Braden | 1980-1984 |
| Richard Nerysoo | 1984-1985 |
| Nick Sibbeston | 1985-1987 |
| Dennis Patterson | 1987-1991 |
| Nellie Cournoyea | 1991-1995 |
| Don Morin | 1995-1998 |
| James Antoine | 1998-2000 |
| Stephen Kakfwi | 2000-2003 |
| Joe Handley | 2003- |
Note. Prior to 1897, the Northwest Territories had no premier. From 1905 to 1980, the head of government of the NWT was a commissioner appointed by the federal government. Prior to 1994, the NWT head of government was referred to as Government Leader.
Other lists of first ministers:
Prime Minister - Alberta - B.C - Manitoba - N.B - Nfld.-Lab - N.S - Ontario - P.E.I - Quebec - Sask - Yukon - Nunavut
For more lists of this type, see Lists of incumbents.