B.C.’s Joffre Lakes Provincial Park Set to Reopen for Labour Day Weekend
B.C.’s popular Joffre Lakes Provincial Park will reopen over the Labour Day long weekend following discussions with local First Nations, according to the provincial government. Last week, the Líl̓wat and N’Quatqua First Nations announced that they were temporarily closing public access to the park, known to them as Pipi7iyekw, until the end of September to perform harvest celebrations and gather resources in the area. Subsequently, the provincial government closed the park on behalf of the nations and began discussions to find a compromise solution.
“As we continue conversations with the First Nations, the Park will be open to visitors Friday through the end of the long weekend. By mutual agreement, there will be a reduction in day use passes made available,” stated Environment Minister George Heyman.
The park will be inaccessible for a three-day period starting Tuesday, September 5, as the First Nations and the government work together to develop a plan that will provide space and privacy for cultural activities while ensuring responsible and sustainable public access to the park.
The decision to reopen the park for the long weekend was made with careful consideration from the two nations involved. A joint statement will be issued by the Líl̓wat nation confirming the arrangement on Thursday.
However, the sudden closure and subsequent negotiations have raised concerns about the provincial government’s failure to meet its reconciliation obligations. The BC United opposition criticized the government for not being engaged with the nations in a meaningful way prior to the closure. Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Peter Milobar stated, “That’s really the whole premise of reconciliation in the first place, and so what we really need to see is the government more focused on real reconciliation results versus crisis management.”
The closure also prompted questions about its potential impact on other parks, hunting areas, and fishing areas in the province.
The two nations justified the closure by referring to the visitor use management strategy and action plans they developed with the province, as well as Indigenous rights and title recognized through the Supreme Court of Canada’s Tsilhqot’in decision. Legal opinions differ on whether the nations have the right to unilaterally limit access to the shared territory, but concerns have been raised about this potentially setting a precedent.
Despite the inconvenience caused by the closures, the public has respected the process, and the government thanks them for their understanding. Day passes for the park will be available on a rolling basis from Friday through to Monday starting at 7 a.m. on Thursday.
In conclusion, the reopening of Joffre Lakes Provincial Park for the Labour Day long weekend comes after discussions with local First Nations. The closure and subsequent negotiations highlight the need for the government to prioritize meaningful engagement with Indigenous nations as part of the reconciliation process.