Kwets'ootł'àà
Last updated: November 2011
Kwets'ootł'àà (kwet-sowt-laa) is an area of approximately 660 km2 of the northern portion of the north arm of Great Slave Lake and includes the mainland shoreline, numerous islands, and the water of the lake, itself.
Importance of Kwets'ootł'àà
- Kwets'ootł'àà which means rock-muskeg-bay, was identified for protection by the Tłįchǫ Government.
- The area is culturally important to the Tłįchǫ. Local Dene have used the area for centuries for many activities including hunting and fishing.
- Several species at risk including woodland caribou, wood bison, wolverine, rusty blackbird and short-eared owl are found in Kwets'ootł'àà.
- Kwets'ootł'àà is classified as an Important Bird Area (IBA) in Canada and is a key migratory bird site in the Northwest Territories with large numbers of tundra swans, Canada geese and other waterfowl using it as a staging area.
- Kwets'ootł'àà contains the northernmost recorded breeding range of Caspian and Black Terns.
Status
- In September 2011, the Canadian Wildlife Service applied for interim protection.
- In June 2010, the Canadian Wildlife Service agreed to sponsor Kwets'ootł'àà as a candidate National Wildlife Area.
- A working group has been established, and assessments of the area's ecological, cultural and economic values are in progress.
Next Steps
- Continue documentation and assessment of the area's cultural, ecological, and economic values.
Reports
- 2011 - Kwets'ootł'àà | Renewable Resources Assessment (pdf)
- 2009 - Kwets'ootł'àà | Ecological Assessment Phase 1 (pdf)
- 2009 - Kwets'ootł'àà | Cultural Assessment Phase 1 (contact the PAS Secretariat for more information)
