Draanjik River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Draanjik River |
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Aerial view of the Draanjik River
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 Location of the mouth of the Black River in Alaska
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| Country | United States |
| State | Alaska |
| Census Area | Yukon–Koyukuk |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | 2,356 ft (718 m) 65°33′33″N 141°51′19″W / 65.55917°N 141.85528°W |
| River mouth | Black River Slough, Porcupine River 16 miles (26 km) northeast of Fort Yukon, Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge 440 ft (130 m) 66°39′51″N 144°43′40″W / 66.66417°N 144.72778°W |
| Length | 160 mi (260 km) |
The Draanjik River, also known as the Black River, is a river in Alaska, United States. It flows through the eastern part of the Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area. This river stretches for about 160 miles (260 km). It starts from its source and flows generally northwest. The river ends where it joins the Black River Slough of the Porcupine River. This meeting point is near the town of Fort Yukon.
In 2014, a special group called the Alaska Historical Commission decided to change the river's name. They chose "Draanjik," which is its traditional Gwich'in name. This decision was later approved by the Board of Geographic Names.
About the Draanjik River
The Draanjik River is an important waterway in Alaska. It flows through a wild and beautiful part of the state. The river's journey takes it through remote areas. It eventually connects to the larger Porcupine River. This river is part of a big network of waterways.
Where is the Draanjik River?
The river is located in the vast state of Alaska. It flows through the Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area. This area is in the eastern part of Alaska. The river's mouth is about 16 miles (26 km) northeast of Fort Yukon. This town is within the Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge. The river's source is high up in the mountains. It starts at an elevation of about 2,356 feet (718 meters).
What's in a Name?
The name "Draanjik" comes from the local Gwich'in people. In their language, "Draanjik" means "Caches Along The River." A cache is a hidden storage place. This name shows how important the river was for storing supplies. The river also gives its name to the Draanjik Gwich'in people. They live in a community called Chalkyitsik.
For many years, the river was known as the "Black River." It also had other names in the past. Some of these names included Big Black River and Salmon River. People sometimes called it Squirrel Creek too. The United States Board on Geographic Names officially named it "Black River" in 1959. However, in 2014, they approved the change to "Draanjik." This change honors the traditional Gwich'in name.
