The Subarctic region is the area that stretches from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean. It includes most of present day Alaska and the majority of the interior of Canada. Also known as the Northern Forest or Taiga, it is treed mainly by pine, spruce and fir, although birch, aspen and willow can be found in some areas. There is very little topsoil for deep root structures to take hold. As such, the trees normally are scraggy and short, becoming smaller towards the North. At the northernmost edge of Taiga forest, the forest gives way to a treeless Tundra.
A network of inland waterways including some of the largest rivers in the world - the Mackenzie Peace River, Saskatchewan River, Red River and La Grande River - criss-cross the region. They are fed by enormous lakes - Great Bear Lake, Great Slave Lake and Lake Winnipeg – as well as thousands of smaller lakes, rivers, plus many ponds, streams and swamps. In the west, the Taiga becomes highlands; a part of the Rocky Mountain Chain, Yukon Plateau and British Columbia Plateau.
The Subarctic climate is brutal with long, severe winters. Temperatures can fall below –40 Celsius. In the woodland areas, the snow can be very deep. Thick ice, as hard as concrete, can cover lakes and rivers.
Despite inhospitable conditions, the Subarctic’s wildlife is abundant. Some of the largest animals in North America - caribou, moose, musk ox, bear and deer – are found in the rgion. Smaller animals such as beaver, mink, otters, porcupine, rabbits and squirrels also inhabit the area. There are many species of waterfowl, birds and fresh water fish.
The Subarctic peoples were nomadic hunters and gathers who travelled in small groups of three or four related families. They lived in houses made from poles covered in animal hides or lean-tos made from brush and leaves.
Nations in this region include Beothuk, Carrier, Chipewyan, Chippewa (Ojibway), Cree, Kutchin, Montagnais and Naskapi.