Blachford Lake facts for kids
Blachford Lake is a beautiful and remote lake found in Northern Canada. It's located not too far from Yellowknife, which is the capital city of the Northwest Territories. The lake stretches about 17 kilometers (about 10.5 miles) long. It sits on very old rocks that are part of the precambrian shield, which means they formed billions of years ago!
Blachford Lake is located at a specific spot: 62 degrees, 9.97 minutes North latitude and 112 degrees, 40.96 minutes West longitude. It's just north of the eastern arm of the huge Great Slave Lake.
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Dechinta: A Unique Learning Centre
One of the most interesting things about Blachford Lake is that it's home to a special place called the Dechinta: Centre for Research and Learning. This centre is like an "on-the-land" university. It was partly started by Glen Coulthard.
What is Dechinta?
Dechinta focuses on teaching traditional northern skills and knowledge. Students learn directly from the land and from Indigenous elders. This means they might learn about hunting, fishing, trapping, building shelters, and understanding the natural environment. It's a unique way to learn by doing and experiencing the northern wilderness firsthand.
Why is "On-the-Land" Learning Important?
Learning "on-the-land" helps people connect with nature and understand the traditional ways of life in the North. It's a way to keep ancient knowledge alive and pass it on to new generations. This kind of education is very important for preserving culture and respecting the environment.
A Royal Visit to Blachford Lake
Blachford Lake and the Dechinta Centre had some very important visitors in 2011. Prince William, who is now the Prince of Wales, and his wife, Catherine, who is now the Princess of Wales, came to visit.
The Royal Tour of Canada
Their visit was part of their 2011 royal tour of Canada. During their time at Blachford Lake, they were taken to an island that no one lives on. There, a local cook prepared supper for them. It must have been a very special and memorable experience for the royal couple to see such a remote and beautiful part of Canada.
