Question Period Note: Indigenous Access and Parks Canada Places

Indigenous Access and Parks Canada Places

• The Government of Canada is committed to reconciliation and nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relationships with Indigenous peoples, based on a recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership.
• Many Parks Canada places are situated on lands and waters which have been home to Indigenous peoples since time immemorial.
• The Open Doors program seeks to strengthen relationships with Indigenous peoples by eliminating barriers to accessing traditionally used lands and waters in national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas found within their traditional territory and where there is a connection.
INDIGENOUS HARVESTING
• The Indigenous Peoples Open Doors Program is not the process for allowing activities related to hunting, fishing, trapping, harvesting of plants and natural objects or removal of cultural objects.
• As the steward of heritage places, Parks Canada works directly with Indigenous groups to implement the right to harvest, while ensuring conservation and public safety.

• On November 26, 2019, the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) posted on their Facebook page ‘Did you know … Your MMF Citizenship or Harvester Card allows you free admission to all National Parks in WESTERN Canada!’ Numerous comments in response to the post relate to the potential for Métis to harvest in parks.
• There is no formal arrangement between Parks Canada and the Manitoba Métis Federation for free entry to national parks. In August 2019, Parks Canada and the Manitoba Métis Federation signed a Memorandum of Understanding to provide for free entry to Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site.
• Parks Canada is in discussions with the Manitoba Métis Federation on next steps.
• On July 31, 2018, Parks Canada signed an agreement for an Indigenous Peoples Open Doors Program with the Métis Nation of Alberta to provide members with access to national parks and national historic sites in the province. Members present their Métis Nation of Alberta citizenship card to receive free entry. Other fees for attractions and services, including campgrounds, hot pools, other park facilities, or any other levies associated with park/site/area use, other than entry, still apply.

Question Period notes as provided by the Department to the Minister’s Office