There’s no doubt that aboriginal groups that have traditional territories within Jasper National Park ought to be able to continue using these areas for ceremonial and spiritual purposes. However, we shouldn’t jump to conclusions about the way in which these First or Metis Nations arrange this kind of use with Parks Canada. 

Early next month, a group will dance and sing at a local hotel on the International Day for Indigenous People. Would it make more sense for this event to be held at Buffalo Prairie, land that is of great spiritual significance for the aboriginal group in question? Without doubt. However, in order for that to happen in the future, an environmental assessment must be carried out.

Some might scoff at this bureaucratic hurdle, but we do not believe this to be a case of the government attempting to deny aboriginal groups the opportunity to use their historic lands for traditional purposes. Rather, it’s an absolutely necessary step, part of a process that may eventually lead to a situation where aboriginal groups could use land within national parks without having to endure lengthy reviews and rigmaroles. Indeed, the concept of environmental assessment may be in synch with the core values of the First Nations communities that seek to use the national park. Preservation and respect for the natural world are often of paramount concern, and while it might seem unlikely that an annual ceremony would cause much damage, it is equally unlikely that these groups would want to make any negative impact on the landscape.

For now, no protocols exist regarding indigenous use of national parks or historic sites. Jasper National Park has high hopes that a meeting set to take place this fall will form the foundation for discussions on this topic with the many groups that have historic interests in the park. After a framework is established, it will hopefully provide an opportunity for these groups to access and use their lands. Until then, the aboriginal groups should expect to follow the process of proposals and environmental assessments much like any other group. 

Of course, these bands and nations aren’t just any group wishing to host a special event, and that counts for something. The piece on the Lubicon Lake Cree that appears on the facing page is rife with examples of our governments deliberately attempting to withhold fundamental rights from an aboriginal group. Here in Jasper, the reason to require an environmental assessment is not to vex or prevent aboriginal groups from pursuing legitimate activities in the national park.