Kazan River
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The Kazan River (white partridge), is a Canadian Heritage River located in Nunavut, Canada. The river rises near Kasba Lake and flows north for about 850 km (528 mi) before emptying into Baker Lake () and becoming part of the Thelon River.
Along its course the river flows through several lakes, including Ennadai Lake and Yathkyed Lake (white swan), and over the Kazan Falls (25 m {82 ft}), through both boreal forest and tundra. It is this last section of the river, from Ennadai Lake, that is above the Tree-line and is designated a Canadian Heritage River.
The first European to visit the area was Samuel Hearne (1770) at Yathkyed Lake. However, the river was not mapped until visited by Canadian geologist and cartographer Joseph Tyrrell in 1894. Explorer Knut Rasmussen also visited the area in 1921-24 during the Fifth Thule Expedition
Although many species of wildlife may be observed along the river it is the Kaminuriak caribou herd (Qamanirjuaq) for which it is most well known. Over 300,000 caribou migrate through the area and it is said to be the largest migration of any land animal. Other wildlife that may be observed in the area include Musk Ox, wolverine, Peregrine Falcon and many species of fish.
The abundance of wildlife along and close to the river attracted both the Inuit and the Chipewyan Dene for about 5000 years. Originally the Inuit did not live in the area but returned to the coast for the winter. In the 18th century Dene use of the area declined and the Inuit began to live along the reiver year round. Today they are known as the Caribou Inuit and unlike other Inuit in Canada, they are the only ones not to live in coastal areas. As such developed a different lifestyle from the coastal Inuit. Remnants of their campsites, and those of the Dene may be found along the river.
Although the Inuit today no longer live along the river they do still travel it to hunt and fish. The river has also become a popular tourist destination for kayaking and canoeists.
