Kitlope River facts for kids
The Kitlope River is a beautiful river found in the Kitimat Ranges of British Columbia, Canada. It flows north into a large inlet called the Gardner Canal. This canal is south of the town of Kitimat.
The river is named after the Gitlope group of the Haisla people. These people are now part of the Haisla Nation government and community. Their home is at Kitamaat Village, close to Kitimat. The name "Kitlope" comes from a Tsimshian language. It refers to the Haisla people, who call themselves Henaksiala. The name means "people of the rocks" or "people of the opening in the mountains." In the Haisla language, the river's name is Xesduwaxwsdu.
The term "the Kitlope" can also mean the entire area around the river. This includes all the smaller streams and rivers that flow into it. This area has been a place of important discussions since the 1970s. People debated whether to protect the land or use its natural resources. Today, it is a protected area called the Kitlope Heritage Conservancy. BC Parks helps manage this special place.
The Kitlope Indian Reserve No. 16 is located right where the river meets the canal.
River Branches
The Kitlope River has several smaller rivers and creeks that flow into it. These are called tributaries. Here are some of them:
- Tsaytis River (called C'itis in Haisla) - This river joins the Kitlope at its mouth.
- Kalitan Creek (called Tlasudis in Haisla) - This creek joins the Kitlope through the Tezwa River.
- Tezwa River (called Wa'yuwa in Haisla) - This river joins the Kitlope through Kitlope Lake.
- Gamsby River
- Tnaiko Creek (called Daniko in Haisla) - This creek flows into the Gamsby River.
- Kapella River (called Qapela'ax in Haisla)
