Mackenzie River nominated for Canadian Heritage Rivers System

Parks Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories announced the nomination of the Dehcho / Deho / Kuukpak / Nagwichoonjik / Grand Rivière / Fleuve Mackenzie / Mackenzie River to the Canadian Heritage Rivers System, according to a Parks Canada news release.

The nominated section includes the river’s entire main stem within the Northwest Territories, extending from the western tip of Great Slave Lake to the Arctic Ocean.

The release says the river has cultural significance for Dene, Métis, Gwich'in and Inuvialuit peoples and provides diverse ecosystems and wildlife habitat.

The next step is a stewardship plan to be prepared within three years of the nomination. The Government of the Northwest Territories will lead the work in collaboration with Indigenous peoples and communities in the region.

The river would receive official designation and join the Canadian Heritage Rivers System only if the stewardship plan is approved. The source does not state when that approval or designation may occur.

The announcement took place at a gathering of the Northwest Territories Council of Leaders in Ottawa.