Kechika River adopted 3 March 1925 as labelled on BC Lands' map 1H, 1917, and as recommended by BC Geographic Division; reapproved 7 March 1951 on 94M, etc.

Source: BC place name cards, files, correspondence and/or research by BC Chief Geographer/Geographical Names Office.

The Sekani name is Tah Chow Gàh (Guzagi K'úgé, published by Kaska Tribal Council, Watson Lake, 1997). Origin/meaning not provided.

Source: BC place name cards, or correspondence to/from BC's Chief Geographer or BC Geographical Names Office

Identified as "Mud or Black River" on Geological Survey of Canada's map titled Yukon Expedition 1887-1888, published in GSC Summary Report 1889, p.164D. [note that "Black" is a reference to Samuel Black, not the appearance of the water.] Identified as Muddy River and Big Muddy River on other early maps. Labelled "Kechika (Muddy) River" on BC Lands' map 1H, 1917.

Source: BC place name cards, files, correspondence and/or research by BC Chief Geographer/Geographical Names Office.

"The main river is called in Sikani 'Ta-ta-chi-ca'..." and "The valley is heavily wooded and banks of the 'Ta-ta-chi-ca' appear to be high and rocky..." (from Diary of Insp. J.D.Moodie, NWMP, p.56 (Camp 50) & p.57 (Camp 54), respectively; published in Sessional Papers, 1899, Vol 33, No. 12). Note that this is spelled 'Kachika River' on Moodie's accompanying map Route from Edmonton to Yukon River (sheet 2), 4 September 1897 - 20 October 1898. In 1914, Major E.B.Hart, FRGS, explored the area of the Kechika and eastward for the BC Lands' Department, and when he prepared his map in 1914 he especially insisted that 'Kachika' was not correct according to the usage amongst the inhabitants of this area; he insisted that there was no 'a' or 'ah' sound, rather the sharper sound of 'e'.... (2 February 1925 letter to Geographic Board, file 34275s, pt.3)

Source: BC place name cards, files, correspondence and/or research by BC Chief Geographer/Geographical Names Office.