In every province and territory there are national parks and national historic sites. Jasper National Park itself contains four of the country’s historic sites and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

For the last 100 years, Parks Canada has acted as the steward and guide to these natural and cultural places.

According to Parks Canada, in 1911, Canada became the first country in the world to establish a national service entirely dedicated to parks. Today Parks Canada manages a network of 42 national parks, 167 national historic sites and four national marine conservation areas. 

Throughout their centennial, each month Parks Canada has celebrated with a theme. This month the theme is dedicated to Parks Canada’s National Historic Sites, honouring Canadian history and the people and events that shaped the country.

In Jasper, Parks is paying tribute to the centennial by featuring the people who live, work and play in the park. This month’s final Jasper National Park representative is Jocelyn Nadeau.

Q: Where did you originate from, how long have you been here and what brought you here? 

A: I come from Quebec City where my family still lives, but I have also spent a few years living near Sherbrooke and a few more in Montreal. I came to Jasper in the summer of 2008 to teach science at École Desrochers. I had gotten to know the Canadian Rockies working at Chateau Lake Louise in 1999. I used to hike the plain of the six glaciers all the time. I also spent a night with three friends at Jasper Park Lodge for $30 with my C.P. staff discount once. I really enjoyed my time in the mountains and I was looking for an opportunity to come back. Living in Jasper and teaching at École Desrochers has been amazing!

Q: What do you love best about living in a national park?

A: I love the unspoiled wilderness and the infinite outdoor opportunities that lay out there for us to discover. I love the vibe, the energy and the character of the town and the people. There’s a lot of authenticity, love and passion around here.

Q: How are you involved in the community? 

A: I am involved with school activities in general and the activities of École Desrochers in particular. I have organized concerts, stirred maple syrup and helped with the activities of the Association Canadienne Française de l’Alberta (ACFA). Caroline Roy, Dave McDowell and I have also started the Jasper Winter Pentathlon which has been a great success for the past two years.

Q: How do you make a living and how do you see that as a role in the park?

A: As a teacher, I obviously help students acquire knowledge, but I also like to think I help them think critically and grow to be good moral citizens. Jasper being a small isolated town, I try to discuss global issues and raise awareness relating to consumerism and the environment in particular. 

Q: What are some of your favourite things to do in the park? On your own or with friends and/or family.

A: I love biking the single track between Wabasso to the end of the Valley of the Five. I love my time fishing on Maligne Lake, and I love spending entire days wandering outside.