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March 2001
Government of Nunavut
Canadian Heritage Rivers Kazan River
The Kazan River flows for 850 km northwards from Kasba Lake near the northern border of Saskatchewan/Manitoba to the south shore of Baker Lake. This 50,000 km 2 drainage basin, designated in 1990, lies in the heart of the mainland portion of Nunavut. The upper reaches of the River traverse the boreal forest and the tundra adding significantly to the diversity of the biological character of the river corridor. Below Ennadai Lake the landscape is characterized by rocky hills and plains, now making a comeback from their glacial past at one of the highest rates in the world. The river course combines large lakes with wide meandering sections, narrow swift sections and waterfalls, making the Kazan River one of the most popular wilderness canoe trips in the north.
Most prominent of the wildlife associated with the river corridor are the caribou of the Qamanirjuaq herd and, to a lesser extent, the Beverly herd. On their annual migration route, the Kazan lies just to the west of one of the major calving areas of these herds. Other notable species include the muskox and a wide variety of waterfowl species. Lake trout, grayling and whitefish are among the resident fish species.
The richness of the area, especially the relationship of the caribou to the River, accounts for the Kazan's significance to Inuit. Caribou Inuit adapted their lifestyle to the annual caribou migration and took advantage of the River's natural barrier. This barrier enabled large numbers of caribou to be harvested by Inuit hunters at preferred crossing sites. It is here that Fall Caribou Crossing National Historic Site was established. The Site provides opportunities to examine the cultural meaning of the arctic landscape to Inuit, whose knowledge and experience have ensured their survival in the area for centuries.
In 1999/00, the Government of Nunavut completed a review of the original Management Plan for the Kazan. The review was undertaken to reaffirm community and regional support and new goals were established. Government of Nunavut, in partnership with the community and region, can work toward these goals to ensure the River continues to represent its community and nomination values.
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