Duncan (Amazay) Lake facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Duncan Lake
Duncan Lake, Amazay Lake in Sekani located at the headwaters of the Findlay watershed. This lake is the centre of the traditional land of the Tsay Keh Dene and is part of the three lake rich resource area Amazay/Thutade/Kemess area
Duncan Lake Location in British Columbia
Location	Northern Interior, British Columbia
Coordinates	57°58′N 126°47′W / 57.967°N 126.783°W / 57.967; -126.783
Type	lake
Native name	Amazay Lake Error {{native name checker}}: parameter value is malformed (help)
Primary outflows	Finlay River
Basin countries	Canada
Max. length	6 km (3.7 mi)

Duncan Lake, also known as Amazay Lake by the Sekani people, is a beautiful natural lake in British Columbia, Canada. It is about 6 kilometers (4 miles) long. This lake is located in the Omineca Mountains, which are in the northern part of British Columbia.

Duncan Lake is home to different types of fish, including rainbow trout and whitefish. The Finlay River starts at Duncan Lake and flows out from it.

The Tsay Keh Dene People and Amazay Lake

The Tsay Keh Dene people, also known as the Tse Keh Nay, have lived in this area for many generations. Their main community is called Tsay Keh Dene. It is located at the north end of Williston Lake.

The Tsay Keh Dene people have a deep connection to Duncan Lake. They call it Amazay Lake. In their Sekani language, "Amazay" means "little mother lake" or "very superior mother." They consider it to be right in the center of their traditional territory.

Historical Importance of Amazay Lake

In 1824, an early fur trader named Samuel Black visited the region. He wrote in his journal about the area. He noted how the Tsay Keh Nay Chief Methodiates and his people used the land. The Amazay, Thutade, and Kemess areas were very important for resources.

The Tsay Keh Dene people have many stories about Amazay Lake. It was a special place for hunting, fishing, and gathering food. These stories have been passed down through generations.

The Name Duncan Lake

There are a couple of stories about how Duncan Lake got its English name. One story says it's named after a young boy named Duncan. He walked a long way to visit his family who were staying near the lake for the winter.

Another story comes from Joe Bob Patrick. He said his father named the lake after his good friend, Duncan Pierre. Duncan Pierre was from a place called Ingenika. It is believed that Duncan Pierre's burial site might be at Amazay Lake.

Caribou and Amazay Lake

Amazay Lake was once a very important place for boreal woodland caribou. These caribou would come to the lake in May to have their babies. This time is called calving season.

Elders from the Tsay Keh Dene people remember a time when there were many caribou around Amazay Lake. They recall seeing hundreds of caribou in the area. Sadly, today, there are very few caribou left.