Ekalluk River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ekalluk River |
|
|---|---|
| Country | Canada |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Tahiryuaq |
| River mouth | Wellington Bay Albert Edward Bay Sea level |
The Ekalluk River is an important river in Canada's far north. You can find it in the Kitikmeot Region of Nunavut. This river flows through the middle and southeastern parts of Victoria Island. The Ekalluk River starts at a lake called Tahiryuaq (also known as Ferguson Lake). From there, it flows in two directions: west towards Wellington Bay and east towards Albert Edward Bay. Some other lakes nearby are Keyhole Lake, Kitigaq, and Surrey Lake. The closest town to the river is Cambridge Bay.
The people who have lived near the Ekalluk River for a long time are called the Ekalluktogmiut. They are a group of Copper Inuit who are known by where they live.
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What is the Ekalluk River?
The Ekalluk River is a key waterway in the Canadian Arctic. It is known for its natural beauty and importance to local wildlife. The river's path through Victoria Island connects different parts of the landscape. It also provides a home for many animals.
Where is the Ekalluk River located?
The Ekalluk River is found in the Kitikmeot Region of Nunavut, Canada. This region is in the northern part of Canada. The river flows across Victoria Island, which is one of the largest islands in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago.
What are the sources and mouths of the river?
The Ekalluk River begins at Tahiryuaq, also called Ferguson Lake. This lake is its main source. From this lake, the river splits and flows in two directions. One part flows west into Wellington Bay. The other part flows east into Albert Edward Bay. Both of these bays are part of the Arctic Ocean.
Iqaluktuuq: A Place of Big Fish
"There is a huge Arctic char run in the (Iqaluktuuq) river in August, and in fall, large caribou herds migrate southward across this river. Because of these resources, everyone who has ever lived there has been drawn to this one tiny area like a magnet. There is nothing like it for hundreds of kilometres." (Max Friesen, University of Toronto archaeologist, 2005)
A special part of the Ekalluk River is called Iqaluktuuq. This name comes from the Inuinnaqtun language and means "place of big fish." This section of the river flows west from Tahiryuaq into Wellington Bay.
Why is Iqaluktuuq important?
Iqaluktuuq is a very important place for history and nature. People have lived here for about 4,000 years! Both the ancient Tuniit people and the Inuit have called this area home. This makes Iqaluktuuq a significant archaeological site in Nunavut.
The river is famous for its large numbers of Arctic char, a type of fish. In August, many char swim up the river. Also, in the fall, huge herds of caribou cross the river as they travel south. These natural resources, like the fish and caribou, have always attracted people to this area. It's a truly unique spot for hunting and fishing.
Who are the Iqaluktuurmiut?
The people who live in the Iqaluktuuq area are known as the Iqaluktuurmiut. They have a deep connection to this land and its resources.
