New national park for Canada’s North
NORMAN WELLS, N.W.T—Canada’s North is getting a new park.
After years of planning, Prime Minister Stephen Harper confirmed Wednesday that the Nááts’ihch’oh National Park Reserve will become a reality.
The reserve, which will be Canada’s 44th national park, is a stunning vista of mountains and meadowlands that contain the headwaters of the famed South Nahanni River.
In a statement, Harper said the new park reserve would safeguard the “rich natural wonders and cultural heritage” of Canada’s North.
The prime minister also said it would provide an economic boost to the region by creating conservation and tourism jobs although no job estimates were provided.
Harper made the announcement on day three of his annual northern tour. He was joined by Environment Minister Peter Kent.
Harper also announced the signing of a deal with the local First Nations groups — the
Sahtu Dene and Metis of the Tulita District — that gives them a role in the conservation and presentation of the park. The new park is on their traditional lands and the area holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for the First Nations.
“This national park reserve will help protect grizzly bears, mountain woodland caribou and other wildlife, protect and celebrate the Nááts’ihch’oh Mountain as a deeply spiritual place, and offer opportunities for visitors to enjoy extraordinary wilderness experiences,” the government said in a statement.
New national park for Canada
NORMAN WELLS, N.W.T—Canada’s North is getting a new park.
After years of planning, Prime Minister Stephen Harper confirmed Wednesday that the Nááts’ihch’oh National Park Reserve will become a reality.
The reserve, which will be Canada’s 44th national park, is a stunning vista of mountains and meadowlands that contain the headwaters of the famed South Nahanni River.
In a statement, Harper said the new park reserve would safeguard the “rich natural wonders and cultural heritage” of Canada’s North.
The prime minister also said it would provide an economic boost to the region by creating conservation and tourism jobs although no job estimates were provided.
Harper made the announcement on day three of his annual northern tour. He was joined by Environment Minister Peter Kent.
Harper also announced the signing of a deal with the local First Nations groups — the
Sahtu Dene and Metis of the Tulita District — that gives them a role in the conservation and presentation of the park. The new park is on their traditional lands and the area holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for the First Nations.
“This national park reserve will help protect grizzly bears, mountain woodland caribou and other wildlife, protect and celebrate the Nááts’ihch’oh Mountain as a deeply spiritual place, and offer opportunities for visitors to enjoy extraordinary wilderness experiences,” the government said in a statement.
New national park for Canada
