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March 2005
Gwich'in Social and Cultural Institute Mackenzie River
A prime candidate for nomination to the Canadian Heritage Rivers System, the 4,241 km long Mackenzie River (Canada's longest river) possesses an abundance of natural, historical, cultural and recreational features that are outstanding from both a Canadian and territorial perspective. Committed to respecting and celebrating its distinctive history and geography, Gwich'in, Sahtu, Dehcho and Métis of the NWT are working with the territorial government toward the nomination of the Mackenzie as a Canadian Heritage River. A portion of the Mackenzie River flowing through Gwich'in lands (between Thunder River and Point Separation) has been designated Nagwichoonjik National Historic Site in recognition of its historical significance as a cultural landscape.
Background research is currently being compiled to identify, describe and assess the river's heritage, recreational and tourism values. As part of this work, the Gwich'in Social and Cultural Institute (GSCI) was contracted by Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, Government of the NWT, to compile an annotated bibliography of information relating to the natural heritage of the Mackenzie River (i.e. flora, fauna, water resources, etc.). This information will be summarized into a nomination document to be submitted to the Canadian Heritage Rivers Board. Discussions on the Mackenzie River nomination will be held at the Board's next meeting scheduled for August 2005 in Inuvik. GSCI also represents the Gwich'in Tribal Council on the Steering Committee guiding the nomination.
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