Rae River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rae River |
|
|---|---|
| Country | Canada |
| Territory | Nunavut |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Akuliakattak Lake |
| River mouth | Coronation Gulf Sea level 67°55′01″N 115°33′00″W / 67.917°N 115.550°W |
The Rae River (also known as Pallirk) is an important waterway located in Nunavut, Canada. It starts its journey from Akuliakattak Lake and flows into Richardson Bay, which is part of the large Coronation Gulf. The river's mouth, where it meets the sea, is found northwest of the community of Kugluktuk, Nunavut. For a very long time, the lands along the Rae River were the traditional home of different groups of Copper Inuit people.
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The Rae River: A Northern Waterway
The Rae River is a significant natural feature in the Arctic region of Canada. Rivers like this are vital for the environment and for the people who live nearby. They provide fresh water and are often important routes for travel and trade.
Where is the Rae River Located?
The Rae River is in the Kitikmeot Region of Nunavut, Canada. It flows through a landscape that is mostly tundra, which means it's a cold, treeless area. The river's journey begins at Akuliakattak Lake and ends when it empties into Richardson Bay. This bay is part of the Coronation Gulf, a large body of water connected to the Arctic Ocean.
Who Lived Along the Rae River?
The shores of the Rae River have been home to people for many generations. Specifically, two groups of the Copper Inuit lived here. The Copper Inuit are an Indigenous group known for using native copper found in the region.
- The Kanianermiut (also called Uallirgmiut) lived near the source of the river, closer to Akuliakattak Lake.
- The Pallirmiut lived near the river's mouth, where it meets the Coronation Gulf.
These groups lived off the land, hunting and fishing, and the river was central to their way of life.
How Did the Rae River Get Its Name?
The Rae River was named to honor a famous Scottish Arctic explorer named John Rae. John Rae was a doctor and explorer who made several important expeditions to the Canadian Arctic in the 1800s. He explored many parts of the Arctic coastline and helped map the region. Naming the river after him was a way to recognize his contributions to Arctic exploration.
