Kakisa

Kakisa
K'ágee – “Between the willows”
Population: 45
Kakisa is the iconic North – a tiny, traditional Dene settlement of log cabins, blazing fireweed and fragrant evergreens, all nestled beside the broad blue waters of Kakisa Lake. It’s an easy 13-kilometre detour from Highway 1, just up the road from the camping, fishing, paddling and sightseeing opportunities at stately Lady Evelyn Falls. There’s a small convenience store with limited hours.
Population: 45
Traditional name: K'ágee – “Between the willows”
Setting: On the wooded west bank of Kakisa Lake beside the Kakisa River
Languages: South Slavey, English
Ethnicities: Dene (South Slavey)
Getting here: By road 1.5 hours from Hay River
Founded in: First located upriver at Tathlina Lake, the community moved to the present location in 1962 to be closer to the Mackenzie Highway
Claim to fame: Smallest community in the Northwest Territories
Best daytrip: To nearby Lady Evelyn Falls, with great camping, hiking and grayling-fishing
Best expedition: Down the Kakisa River to the upper Mackenzie, taking out at Fort Providence