Latest news with #MinistryofEnvironmentandParks
Global News
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Global News
First Nations say 1-month closure of Joffre Lakes Park not long enough
Two First Nations are denouncing British Columbia's planned month-long closure of Joffre Lakes Park for Indigenous cultural practices as too short, calling it 'a fraction' of what they proposed within their title and rights. The Lilwat and N'Quatqua nations say the closure from Sept. 2 to Oct. 3 is a 'continuation of colonial decision-making' that does not respect Indigenous authority over their traditional lands. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The B.C. government says it's the third and final such closure of the park this year. An online statement from the nations says they wanted a two-month closure, from Aug. 22 to Oct. 23, that the community needs 'to reconnect with the land, conduct ceremonies, and gather food and medicines' as well as give the area a rest period from recreational use. The province had said this week that the closure times are in line with last year's and balance cultural, conservation and public access needs. Story continues below advertisement The Ministry of Environment and Parks also said the dates ensure Joffre Lakes will be open for public use on the Labour Day weekend. The park was previously closed this year for three weeks, starting April 25, then for two weeks in June.
Vancouver Sun
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Vancouver Sun
'Colonial decision-making': First Nations denounce Joffre Lakes closure as too short
Two First Nations are denouncing British Columbia's planned month-long closure of Joffre Lakes Park for Indigenous cultural practices as too short, calling it 'a fraction' of what they proposed within their title and rights. The Lilwat and N'Quatqua nations say the closure from Sept. 2 to Oct. 3 is a 'continuation of colonial decision-making' that does not respect Indigenous authority over their traditional lands. The B.C. government says it's the third and final such closure of the park this year. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. An online statement from the nations says they wanted a two-month closure, from Aug. 22 to Oct. 23, that the community needs 'to reconnect with the land, conduct ceremonies, and gather food and medicines' as well as give the area a rest period from recreational use. The province had said this week that the closure times are in line with last year's and balance cultural, conservation and public access needs. The Ministry of Environment and Parks also said the dates ensure Joffre Lakes will be open for public use on the Labour Day weekend. The park was previously closed this year for three weeks, starting April 25, then for two weeks in June.
Winnipeg Free Press
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
‘Colonial decision-making': First Nations denounce B.C. park closure as too short
PEMBERTON, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA – Two First Nations are denouncing British Columbia's planned month-long closure of Joffre Lakes Park for Indigenous cultural practices as too short, calling it 'a fraction' of what they proposed within their title and rights. The Lilwat and N'Quatqua nations say the closure from Sept. 2 to Oct. 3 is a 'continuation of colonial decision-making' that does not respect Indigenous authority over their traditional lands. The B.C. government says it's the third and final such closure of the park this year. An online statement from the nations says they wanted a two-month closure, from Aug. 22 to Oct. 23, that the community needs 'to reconnect with the land, conduct ceremonies, and gather food and medicines' as well as give the area a rest period from recreational use. The province had said this week that the closure times are in line with last year's and balance cultural, conservation and public access needs. The Ministry of Environment and Parks also said the dates ensure Joffre Lakes will be open for public use on the Labour Day weekend. The park was previously closed this year for three weeks, starting April 25, then for two weeks in June. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 21.
The Province
2 days ago
- The Province
Off limits, again: B.C.'s Joffre Lakes Park closing for a month
The third and final closure of 2025 will run Sept. 2 to Oct. 3 First Nations' practices and to allow park to recover from heavy use One of B.C.'s most popular parks will be shut to public access again. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. The Ministry of Environment and Parks issued a release Tuesday declaring that Joffre Lakes Park will be closed from Sept. 2 to Oct. 3, to allow it to 'recover from a busy summer' and allow First Nations to carry out cultural practices. Article content It's the third closure of the park this year, and the provincial body said it was also in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The operation of the park has been contested by the Líl̓wat and N'Quatqua First Nations, which temporarily shut access to the park in 2023 to assert title and rights to the territory. The hike to Joffre Lakes, about an hour north of Whistler, is one of the most popular outings for nature lovers in the province. It's easily accessible on foot, and the park's vibrant turquoise waters feature frequently on social media. Five years ago, the number of annual visitors reached 200,000.
Vancouver Sun
2 days ago
- Politics
- Vancouver Sun
B.C.'s Joffre Lakes Park closing again for a month of recovery, First Nations' practices
B.C.'s government says Joffre Lakes Park will shut for a month in about two weeks' time, to allow it to 'recover from a busy summer' and allow First Nations to carry out cultural practices. It says the closure from Sept. 2 to Oct. 3 is also in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and will be the last of three closures this year. The park's operation has been contested by the Líl̓wat and N'Quatqua First Nations, which temporarily shut access to the park in 2023 to assert title and rights to the territory. A statement from the Ministry of Environment and Parks says the closure next month will 'provide time and space for members of the Líl̓wat Nation and N'Quatqua to reconnect with the land.' The province says the nations requested additional closures, but the current schedule best balances cultural, conservation and public access needs, and ensures the park remains open during the Labour Day weekend. The park was also closed on April 25 for three weeks, and for two weeks in June.
