The B.C. government and two First Nations have come to an agreement that will result in the reopening of Joffre Lakes Provincial Park, one of the province’s most popular parks, on September 19.

The park, known as Pipi7iekw to the Lil’wat Nation and N’Quatqua peoples, was closed to the public in August after the nations announced their plans to “harvest and gather” resources in the territory. Initially, the nations had intended to close public access until Truth and Reconciliation Day on September 30. However, after negotiations with the province, the park temporarily reopened during the Labour Day long weekend.

Acting Chief Chris Wells of the Lil’wat Nation expressed the nation’s gratitude for the attention given to this matter by the ministries of Environment and Climate Change Strategy and Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. He stated that the Lil’wat Nation will continue to guide discussions to ensure that Pipi7iekw is used in a manner consistent with their values and the values of their ancestors.

Under the agreement, the park will reopen for regular access, but will close again on September 30 when members of the nations will gather on the land. The nations and the province have also agreed to ongoing talks through next spring regarding a plan for park management, access, and cultural protection in future seasons.

B.C. Environment Minister George Heyman commended the agreement, stating that it exemplifies the province’s commitment to reconciliation and collaboration. He emphasized the importance of the agreement as a critical step forward and a foundation for future discussions on park management and access, reiterating the need for predictable public access while allowing time and space for land healing to ensure the nations can continue to use the space in the same way as their ancestors.

The two nations played a significant role in the creation of the 2019 Joffre Lakes Visitor Use Management Action Plan, a document that the nations referenced, along with their rights and title to the land, in their initial announcement of the park’s closure.

Once the park reopens, visitors will again be required to obtain free day-use passes for the front country and reservations for the backcountry. The backcountry camping season will conclude on November 13.

Overall, this agreement serves as a positive step towards reconciliation and collaboration between the B.C. government and the Lil’wat Nation and N’Quatqua peoples. It acknowledges the spiritual significance of Joffre Lakes Provincial Park to these First Nations and ensures ongoing dialogue for sustainable park management and cultural preservation.