parks canada agency Words to Action

a p r i l 2 0 0 8 www.pc.gc.ca Cover Photos Background image (front and back): Kluane National Park and Reserve of Canada, J.F. Bergeron/ENVIROFOTO, 2000

Featured Images (left to right, top to bottom): Prince Albert National Park of Canada, W. Lynch, 1997; Gros Morne National Park of Canada, Michael Burzynski, 2001; Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site of Canada, Chris Reardon, 2006; Parkdale Fire Station, Parks Canada

Inside Cover Photo S. Munn, 2000

Amended (July, 2008) Words to Action

Table of Contents

Introduction ...... 1 Parks Canada’s Relationships With Facilitating Visitor Experience . . . 39 Aboriginal Peoples ...... 23 Explorer Quotient: Conservation of Healing Broken Connections at Personalizing Visitor Experiences . . . .41 Cultural Resources ...... 3 Kluane National Park and Making Personal Connections Hands-on History ...... 4 Reserve of Canada ...... 24 Through Interpretation ...... 43 Celebrating the Rideau Canal Inuit Knowledge at Auyuittuq, Geocaching: Using Technology as a National Historic Site’s World Heritage Sirmilik and Ukkusiksalik Means to a Great Experience . . . . . 45 National Parks of Canada ...... 25 Designation ...... 5 Planning for Great Visitor Experiences: Enhancing the System of National Employment Program: The Visitor Experience Assessment . . . 47 Enhancing Aboriginal Employment Historic Sites ...... 7 Opportunities ...... 26 A Role in the Lives of Today’s Contacting Parks Canada . . . . . 49 Communities: Parkdale Fire Station . . 10 Presentation of Aboriginal Themes: Aboriginal Interpretation Innovation Sahoyúé §ehdacho National Historic Fund ...... 27 Site of Canada: A Sacred Place . . . . 11 Commemoration of Aboriginal History ...... 29 Protection of Natural Resources . 13

Establishing New National Parks Outreach Education ...... 31 and National Marine Conservation Areas ...... 14 Reaching Canadians at Home: Using Technology to Connect with Ecological Integrity Monitoring and Canadians ...... 33 Reporting ...... 16 Reaching Canadians in their Lives: Active Management The BC Ferries Coastal Naturalists and Restoration ...... 18 Program ...... 35

Reaching Urban Canadians: Living Cities, Engaging Toronto . . . . 36

Reaching Youth: Canadian Geographic Kids ...... 37

Reaching Youth: Nomads and Adventurers ...... 38 Words to Action Words to Action

Introduction Canadian cultural and natural heritage places

“Integration of protection, education and memorable experiences is the foundation for our work while ensuring that we are relevant to, and representative of Canadians.” Alan Latourelle, CEO, Parks Canada

Parks Canada is an international leader in the protection of natural and cultural heritage, the facilitation of memorable visitor experiences and the provision of learning opportunities.

Parks Canada’s network of national parks, national historic sites, historic canals and marine conservation areas is one of the finest and most expansive in the world. Each year, millions of visitors connect with Canada’s magnificent natural environments and the historic places that values. These changes present Parks witnessed Canada’s defining moments. Canada with opportunities and challenges in maintaining relevance Our world is changing. Now, more of Canada’s heritage places. Recent than ever before, Parks Canada is trends have seen a rapid increase in faced with the realities of changes in immigration and urbanization, and the Canadian demographic landscape a collective consciousness towards and changes in Canadians’ underlying being more environmentally respectful

 Words to Action

and responsible. With the increase Indeed, our world is changing and Parks in urbanization and the majority of Canada is responding. The following are New Canadians deciding to reside examples of proactive measures from in urban settings, relevance becomes across the nation reflecting Parks Canada’s a challenge in the face of a mostly innovative, dedicated and unwavering rural national heritage system. commitment to protect, engage, promote understanding, evoke appreciation and In order to continue to fulfill its national inspire future stewards of our cultural and mandate with the integrated delivery of natural treasures for generations to come. protection, education and memorable experiences, Parks Canada is taking steps These examples illustrate that success to ensure the continued relevance of is most evident when we work with national heritage places to society. These all Canadians and our Aboriginal recent population trends underline the partners in this very special mandate importance of reaching out to Canadians. of the Government of Canada.

 Words to Action Conservation of Cultural Resources

Conservation of Cultural Resources A heritage for all Canadians

Currently, the Canadian family of national historic sites comprises 925 places of national historic significance in more than 400 communities across the country. Of these national historic sites, 158 are directly administered by Parks Canada.

Envision a Canada without the others have been adapted to new and managed by provinces, Cabot Tower looming over the uses. They offer the opportunity territories, municipalities, federal entrance to St. John’s harbour, to connect with the very places departments, corporations, the Quebec City walls and that were witness to Canada’s organizations, and individual fortifications, Parliament Hill, the defining moments and to learn Canadians. Through shared Banff Springs Hotel, or Stanley more about the people and responsibility and partnership, Park, and one sees a Canada events that shaped our nation. the conservation and presentation impoverished by the absence Their stories fire our imagination of Canada’s rich historic of some of its defining national and tug at our heartstrings heritage is ensured for present symbols. Canada’s national while providing moving and and future generations. historic sites capture the sense exciting learning experiences and spirit of the nation, connect as well as instilling a sense of The concept of commemorative urban and rural Canadians, link pride in our nation’s history. integrity (ci) is central to the young and the elderly, and the management of national provide a bridge between New Parks Canada is responsible for historic sites. Commemorative Canadians and their adopted the program of commemoration integrity, meaning the health country. They are as important of persons, places and events of and wholeness of a site, includes to our national identity as are national historic significance, the conservation of cultural the maple leaf, the Prairies for the stewardship of some of resources, the communication or the Rocky Mountains. these places, and for promoting of the reasons for designation greater appreciation and deeper as a national historic site, and National historic sites range understanding of Canada’s a respect for other heritage from buildings, to gardens, history and historic places. values associated with the site. to streetscapes and entire towns, from battlefields to There are now 925 national historic sites of Canada in Aboriginal sacred sites, and from The following examples archaeological sites to cultural more than 400 communities across the country. Parks illustrate the Conservation of landscapes. Some continue to Cultural Resources in action. play their traditional role while Canada is the steward of 17%, and the remainder are owned

 Words to Action Conservation of Cultural Resources

Hands-on History

Charles Burke, Parks Canada, 2007

In July 2007, Parks Canada The Historic Sites and Monuments launched the new Beaubassin/ Board of Canada recognized Fort Lawrence Public the national significance of Fort Archaeology Experience at Lawrence (1750-1756) in 1923, Beaubassin National Historic while Beaubassin (1672-1750) was Site of Canada. This three-year declared a national historic site of project invites visitors to work Canada in 2005. The architectural under the expert supervision of a ruins and features found at the Parks Canada archaeologist and sites attest to the Acadian way undertake a unique experience of life and to the geopolitical at a national historic site. The struggle between France and program helps Parks Canada England for the control of Canada. increase existing knowledge of the archaeological resources of the sites, and provides experiences and meaningful learning opportunities to visitors who actively participate in the archaeological excavation. A similar program is also under way at the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site of Canada.

 Words to Action Conservation of Cultural Resources Celebrating the Rideau Canal National Historic Site’s World Heritage Designation

It’s a very different type of World Heritage Site. It’s not like Stonehenge. It’s a region. It’s a corridor.”

Dr. Brian Osborne Professor Emeritus, Queen’s University

B . Morin, 1995

The United Nations Educational, A unesco World Heritage Site is a Scientific and Cultural natural or cultural place which has Organization’s (unesco) World been judged to be of “outstanding Heritage Committee inscribed universal value.” What makes the Rideau Canal on the World the concept of World Heritage Heritage List on June 27, 2007, exceptional is its universal at its 31st session held in application; World Heritage sites Christchurch, New Zealand. This belong to all the peoples of the prestigious designation came as world, irrespective of the territory the Rideau Canal was celebrating on which they are located. its 175th year in operation.

The Rideau Canal World Heritage Site, North America’s oldest operating canal, now joins the prestigious ranks of such global treasures as the Acropolis in Athens, the wilds of East Africa’s Serengeti, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Pyramids of Egypt. It is the fourteenth Canadian site to obtain such recognition.

 Words to Action Conservation of Cultural Resources

A property nominated for The designation not only places Canada currently chairs the inclusion to the World Heritage the Rideau Canal within a World Heritage Committee, and List is considered to be of prestigious international list in July 2008 will host the annual outstanding universal value when of heritage places but it will World Heritage Committee the World Heritage Committee also position the canal as one meeting in Quebec City. finds that it meets one or more of the premier cultural heritage of ten criteria. The Rideau Canal destinations in Ontario. was inscribed under two criteria: UNESCO World Heritage Sites • Criterion I: The Rideau in Canada Canal remains the best- • L’Anse aux Meadows preserved example of a National Historic Site (1978) slackwater canal in North America demonstrating the • Nahanni National Park (1978) use of European slackwater technology on a large • Dinosaur Provincial Park (1979) scale. It is the only canal • Kluane/Wrangell-St. Elias/ dating from the great North Glacier Bay/Tatshenshini- American canal-building era Alsek (1979, 1992, 1994) of the early 19th century that remains operational along its • Head-Smashed-In original line with most of its Buffalo Jump (1981) original structures intact. • SGang Gwaay(1981) • Criterion IV: The Rideau Canal is an extensive, well • Wood Buffalo National preserved and significant Park (1983) example of a canal which was • Canadian Rocky Mountain used for military purposes Parks (1984, 1990) linked to a significant stage in human history — that of • Historic District of the fight to control the north Old Québec (1985) of the American continent. • Gros Morne National Park (1987)

• Old Town Lunenburg (1995)

• Waterton Glacier International Peace Park (1995)

• Miguasha National Park (1999)

• Rideau Canal (2007)

 Words to Action Conservation of Cultural Resources

Enhancing the System of National Historic Sites

Demasduit and Shanawdithit together created a legacy of knowledge about the Beothuk, Library and Archives Canada/C-087698 & C-038862

One of Parks Canada’s key Parks Canada has diligently objectives is to ensure that the worked to ensure that the system system of national historic of national historic sites of Canada sites of Canada represents the honours and recognizes all those history of all Canadians. When who have shaped the story of it was established, early in the Canada, and through the New twentieth century, the system Commemorations Initiative, has reflected the contemporary initiated ongoing consultations preoccupation with the “great with under-represented men and events” credited with groups through dialogue, establishing the nation. Mid- meetings and workshops. century saw a shift of that focus to political and economic history. In the last five years, this work has In recent years, new interest in proven to be highly successful. social history has brought to Half of the new designations the forefront the history and made by the Minister, as contributions of previously recommended by the Historic under-represented groups. Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, have been related to the objective of commemorating Aboriginal history, ethnocultural communities’ history and women’s history.

 Words to Action Conservation of Cultural Resources

Ethnocultural Communities Women In 2006-07 there were three In 2006-07 there were six designations related to the history designations related to of ethnocultural communities: women’s history:

• Doukhobors at Veregin, • Harriet Brooks (national Saskatchewan (national historic person) historic site) J . Dufresne, Parks Canada • Contributions of the • Kensington Market, Ontario Augustines de la (national historic site) Doukhobors at Veregin Miséricorde de Jésus of National Historic Site Québec City’s Hôtel-Dieu • Quebec Ship Labourers’ of Canada (2006) in the Field of Healthcare Benevolent Society (national historic event) (national historic event) The original Veregin settlement (of which the prayer home, • Crossing of Lake Ontario Parks Canada has, at the request machine shed, grain elevator by Marilyn Bell (national of ethnocultural communities and foundations of the old store historic event) involved in consultations, survive) was the administrative, prepared commemorative plaques distribution and spiritual centre for • Fédération nationale for approved recommendations the region during the first period of Saint-Jean-Baptiste in non-official third languages. Doukhobor settlement in Canada. (national historic event) These bronze plaques reflect The spectacular prayer home • Contributions of the the national significance of a reflects the settlement’s importance designated person, event or site. Religieuses hospitalières to the Doukhobors as a religious de St-Joseph in the Field For example, in 2005-06, the and cultural centre, as well as the plaque erected at the Church of Healthcare (national authority and the vision of the leader historic event) of Notre-Dame-de-la-Défense of the Doukhobors, Peter V. Verigin. in Montréal included texts in • Contributions of the French, English, and Italian to Soeurs de Miséricorde in acknowledge the importance the Field of Healthcare of this site to Italian Canadians. (national historic event) In that year, plaques for other sites were also translated The Parks Canada website into Dutch and Chinese. offers six 3d tours of national historic sites related to women’s history (http://pc.gc.ca/3d).

 Words to Action Conservation of Cultural Resources

Aboriginal peoples Parks Canada is committed to working closely with Aboriginal peoples to enhance the representation of their history within the system of national historic sites of Canada. To commemorate Aboriginal Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame history more effectively, Parks Judith Dufresne, 2005 The Crossing of Lake Canada places greater emphasis Pointe-du-Buisson Ontario by Marilyn Bell on consultation throughout the nomination process and a Pointe-du-Buisson is a complex On the evening of September 9, 1954, recognition of the importance of archaeological sites spread over 16-year-old marathon swimmer of oral history and traditions. a vast wooded plateau, located Marilyn Bell became the first person beside the St. Lawrence River in the to swim across Lake Ontario. Racing In 2006-07 there were two community of Melocheville, south unofficially against the heavily designations related to the of Montréal. Pointe-du-Buisson, favoured American swimmer history of Aboriginal peoples: one of the most important sources of Florence Chadwick, Bell endured • Cypress Hills Massacre Site information on Aboriginal peoples eels, high winds, and frigid waters (national historic site) who inhabited the St. Lawrence for almost 21 hours to complete lowlands, was nominated by her world-record-breaking 51.5- • Pointe-du-Buisson the current owners, Pointe-du- kilometre swim. Her courageous (national historic site) Buisson Archaeological Park. achievement won unprecedented attention both at home and abroad for the sport of marathon swimming in Canada. Bell’s swim demonstrated that women could compete in even the most grueling sports and foster immense national pride.

 Words to Action Conservation of Cultural Resources A Role in the Lives of Today’s Communities: Parkdale Fire Station

“Heritage places represent the last reservoirs of authentic places to visit.”

Dr Julianna Priskin Researcher at the Chair in Tourism Transat Adjunct Professor, Department of Urban and Tourism Studies University of Quebec in Montreal

Parks Canada

The Canadian Register of Historic Places The Parkdale Fire Station, in The Parkdale Fire Station is one of The pan-Canadian Historic Places Initiative (HPI) Ottawa, Ontario, was the first only three pre-1930 fire stations in is the result of collaboration among federal, project completed under the all of Ottawa. Through the efforts provincial and territorial governments .Together, Commercial Heritage Properties of the Hintonburg Community we have created the tools to enable Canadians Incentive Fund (chpif), a pilot Association, this fire station to learn about, value, enjoy and conserve program designed to engage was designated as a municipal our country’s historic places .The Canadian the private sector in conserving heritage site in 1996, and formally Register of Historic Places, an online database at heritage properties. This program recognized by the province of www historicplaces. ca,. has grown to over 7,000 was not limited to national Ontario. Although vacant for listings .The continued growth of the Register historic sites, but was open to some time, this building has demonstrates that Canadians are proud of their any historic place listed on the been renovated, refurbished and historic places and support the role of all levels of Canadian Register of Historic converted into commercial space, government in telling their stories and protecting Places, and owned by a taxable while retaining the building’s and conserving these important places . Canadian corporation. character-defining elements tied to its primary function as a fire About 1,000 of the places now on the Register This pilot project has station. The heritage value was have been newly designated since the Register demonstrated the advantages maintained by conserving the was established in 2004, and most of these of rehabilitating vacant and building’s façade and hose tower. listings have come from municipalities that have decaying buildings into viable become engaged in identifying, designating and commercial use, as well as Today, the Parkdale Fire Station is protecting historic places in their communities . the benefits to communities once again a lively hub of activity in terms of quality of life, the and a focal point in its community. revitalization of downtown cores, and economic activity.

10 Words to Action Conservation of Cultural Resources Sahoyúé §ehdacho National Historic Site of Canada: A Sacred Place

“Today is a chance to be good ancestors…”

Monte Hummel, President Emeritus of World Wildlife Fund Canada

James De Jonge, Parks Canada

On March 11, 2007, a landmark Sahoyúé §ehdacho represents an agreement was signed between Aboriginal cultural landscape of Parks Canada, Déline First 5,587 square kilometres located Nation and the Déline Land on two peninsulas at Great Corporation to work towards Bear Lake in the Mackenzie permanently protecting and Lowlands, Northwest Territories. cooperatively managing Sahoyúé §ehdacho (pronounced SAW- The site has great cultural and you-eh-DAH-cho) National spiritual significance to the Historic Site of Canada. Sahtugot’ine. The relationships between the landscape, oral This will be the first national histories, burial grounds and historic site of Canada acquired cultural resources, such as trails on the basis of consultation and cabins, contribute to an with Aboriginal peoples. understanding of the origin, The involvement of Parks spiritual values, lifestyle and Canada in the ownership and land use of the Sahtugot’ine. administration of a national historic site of Canada is a first for the Northwest Territories.

11 Words to Action Conservation of Cultural Resources

For the Sahtugot’ine this territory is sacred. These areas represent the importance of traditional narratives to their culture. The large tracts of land ground the stories that are used to pass information from the elders to the youth of the next generation.

Parks Canada continues to promote awareness of the need to protect places of national significance. The initiatives identified here have a common theme – working with and engaging partners and stakeholders so that we can continue to work together to promote a culture of heritage conservation.

12 Words to Action Protection of Natural Resources

Protection of Natural Resources Leading in ecosystem management and engaging stewards

“Canada’s natural spaces are replete with extraordinary beauty, raw strength and unmatched environmental richness. They are the doorways to truly understanding Canada; they represent the soul and the spirit of the country.” Alan Latourelle, CEO, Parks Canada

Canada would not be what National parks also help visitors Parks Canada plays a leadership it is today without its varied experience the Canadian role in ecosystem management and astounding landscapes. landscape—the extraordinarily and encourages Canadians Our national parks, which powerful and beautiful character to become stewards of their represent Canada’s outstanding of which influences all who national parks so that resource natural features, protect travel and live in this country. protection can occur in harmony and present representative Visitors to our national parks both inside park boundaries and ecosystems from across can paddle down rivers which beyond. Public support for and Canada’s diverse landscape. flow through canyons that have engagement in the activities of the been carved over thousands Agency are essential in protecting The concept of ecological integrity of years, observe birds as they our natural environment and is the cornerstone underlying the stop to rest in their travels along ensuring, through responsible management of Canada’s national ancient migration routes, or behaviour, that wild places will parks. The ecological integrity walk through vibrant young endure, intact and strong, for the of Canada’s wild places must forests that have been renewed enjoyment of future generations. be maintained to conserve their by fire. These experiences are biodiversity and harmonious further enriched by opportunities biological dynamics. “Ecological to learn by viewing native The following examples integrity” refers to the species, plants and animals through structure, functions and processes illustrate the Protection of interpretive exhibits and walks, Natural Resources in action. of the ecosystems that are likely to and a host of other possibilities. persist in a park’s natural region.

13 Words to Action Protection of Natural Resources

Establishing New National Parks and National Marine Conservation Areas

“The Torngat Mountains National Park Reserve is the Inuit gift to the people of Canada.”

Toby Andersen, Chief Negotiator, Labrador Inuit Association

I K. . MacNeil, 1994

Creating new national parks and Recent highlights of establishment national marine conservation areas work are the signing of an contributes to the protection of agreement between Canada and natural resources by increasing the Ontario to establish the 10,000- total amount of land and marine square-kilometre Lake Superior environments conserved, and National Marine Conservation provides additional opportunities Area and two announcements to work with partners to create of interim land withdrawals for networks of protected areas in park purposes in Canada’s North: Canada. Parks Canada continues 29,200 square kilometres in the to work towards the goal of Dehcho area for the purpose of completing the national parks expanding Nahanni National system and expanding the national Park Reserve to about six times marine conservation areas system. its present size, and 33,690 square Newly established national parks kilometres in the area of the East and marine conservation areas, Arm of Great Slave Lake. Also and in some cases expanding of great importance, Torngat national parks such as Nahanni Mountains National Park Reserve National Park Reserve, also create was established under the Canada additional opportunities for National Parks Act in 2005. visitor experience and learning, The Lake Superior Agreement and add to public support for has increased the number of their conservation. These actions marine regions represented to contribute to protecting Canada’s 3 out of a total of 29 regions. wilderness, biodiversity and the natural processes that provide us with clean air and water.

14 Words to Action Protection of Natural Resources

Parks Canada continues work on feasibility studies and negotiations for five proposed national parks and four proposed national marine conservation areas currently under consideration across Canada. One of these is a new proposal with funding announced F . Mercier, 1994 D . Harvey, 2003 in the recent federal budget to Signing of the Lake A Significant Land study a possible national marine Superior National Marine Withdrawal for the Expansion conservation area in Lancaster Conservation Area Agreement of Nahanni National Park Sound, Nunavut. With the Reserve of Canada oceans considered to be in crisis, On October 25, 2007, the Prime marine conservation in Canada is Minister of Canada and the In August 2007, the Prime becoming increasingly important Minister of the Environment Minister of Canada announced and taking on a higher profile. announced an agreement with a significant land withdrawal Ontario to establish a national for the purpose of expanding marine conservation area in Nahanni National Park Reserve. northern Lake Superior. A memorandum of understanding The lands under interim with the Northern Superior protection in the Nahanni area are First Nations was signed at of a size equivalent to Vancouver the same time, and will lead to Island. With their mineral hot their active engagement in the springs, karst features of global management and stewardship significance and vital habitat for of the nmca. This immense and grizzly bear, woodland caribou magnificent area of about10 ,000 and Dall’s sheep, these truly square kilometres — a stunning magnificent lands join the current seascape featuring a diversity park reserve’s outstanding of plant and animal life — will treasures. Nahanni, which become the largest freshwater includes the renowned Virginia protected area in the entire world. Falls and a portion of the South Nahanni River, was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1978.

The expansion work is guided by a memorandum of understanding with the Dehcho First Nations. Work continues on finalizing the boundaries and reaching agreements with Aboriginal organizations.

15 Words to Action Protection of Natural Resources

Ecological Integrity Monitoring and Reporting

“Our youth environmental group is helping to monitor the Blanding’s turtle and other rare species in Kejimkujik. This is part of our double focus on cultural revival in Mi’kmaw communities and monitoring of rare species.”

Shalan Joudry, L’sitkuk (Bear River First Nation)

“One person at a time, making a connection with this earth…we will protect what we love.”

Chris Heeter, The Wild Institute

Duncan Smith, Parks Canada

Each of Canada’s national parks Monitoring Endangered is developing an ecological Species at Kejimkujik integrity monitoring and National Park and National reporting program that generates Historic Site of Canada knowledge on park ecosystems. Kejimkujik National Park of This information is used to report Canada and the surrounding on the health of the park. The Southwest Nova Biosphere ecological integrity monitoring Reserve are home to many rare and reporting program relies on species, 14 of which are listed the expertise of park specialists, under the Species at Risk Act local communities, citizen (sara). These include: Blanding’s volunteers and Aboriginal turtle, water-pennywort, partners to collect and interpret piping plover, eastern ribbon- the information. Knowledge snake, and 11 species of acquired through this program Atlantic Coastal Plain flora. guides decisions on the actions that will be taken to improve park health. The health of Canada’s national parks is reported every five years to the public in the State of the Parks Report.

16 Words to Action Protection of Natural Resources

Nellie Neish initially became The hard work is paying off. An involved in the volunteer important discovery was made program to enable her home- this past summer: while surveying schooled son James to gain hands- waters in the Tobeatic Wilderness on experience in Kejimkujik. “My Area adjacent to Kejimkujik, a primary motivation was my son, but husband and wife volunteer team in the end I loved it as much as he did. discovered a new and extremely It isn’t until you start meeting the rare population of Blanding’s Duncan Smith, Parks Canada Parks staff and research students that turtles (approximately 300). you become much more aware of how This new-to-science information An innovative stewardship fragile our environment is and that will further contribute to the program at the park is helping they need help to get all this data.” understanding of habitats. to bring species at risk back from the brink of extinction. This A conservation culture is program involves volunteers becoming evident in the lives of of all ages, who work side-by- the volunteers, many of whom side with researchers to monitor have become so dedicated that rare reptiles, constraints, and they put in time on evenings, sensitivity to human activities. weekends and during their annual These volunteers come from vacations. Some bring years of various backgrounds and include knowledge and expertise to the Kejimkujik’s repeat visitors program. One volunteer, a retired (some of whom span at least owner of a computer software three generations), members company, has designed cutting- of local communities in the edge software and hardware for Southwest Nova Biosphere a gps transmitter that is currently Reserve, and local First Nations being tested on Blanding’s and off-reserve Mi’kmaq. turtles. This technological accomplishment will aid in understanding the habitat that is critical for the Blanding’s turtle.

17 Words to Action Protection of Natural Resources

Active Management and Restoration

Alex Taylor, Parks Canada

Across Canada, national park Lake Louise Area Strategy: staff, Aboriginal communities, Meeting the needs of Bears community volunteers, local and Humans organizations, academics and A multi-year integrated other stakeholders and partners strategy that includes a trail and actively participate in a variety habitat restoration initiative of activities aimed at improving designed to sustain grizzly bear the health of our national parks. populations while maintaining Some of these activities — which a positive visitor experience include trail restoration, species at is under way and on schedule risk recovery, control of invasive in the Lake Louise area. This plants, and restoring fire to the initiative aims to reduce bear landscape — provide hands- mortality and habituation to on learning and engagement humans as well as provide opportunities for park visitors enhanced visitor experiences and foster memorable connections and learning opportunities. to these special places.

18 Words to Action Protection of Natural Resources

Through this initiative, trails Through the Redstreak have been redesigned to meet the Restoration Project, Parks Canada needs of both bears and hikers. has begun to restore the bighorn Some trails have been closed and sheep winter range and associated others re-routed to avoid key open forest and grassland feeding areas and allow bears ecosystem as well as reduce the good escape terrain. As a result, risk of catastrophic fire occurring bear movement and habitat have next to Redstreak Campground been less disrupted and visitor T . Grant and the community of Radium opportunities are improved. Hot Springs. The landscape has Redstreak Restoration The restoration program, along been transformed by restoring Project at Kootenay National with efforts to relieve parking hundreds of hectares through Park of Canada congestion, ease crowded trails the mechanical harvesting of and develop unique educational The southwest corner of Kootenay trees followed by carefully opportunities, has resulted in National Park of Canada includes planned and managed burns. an enhanced experience for the Columbia Valley — a dry, low- visitors to the Lake Louise area. elevation valley that supports rich Since the area near Redstreak biodiversity and critical wildlife has been cleared, information habitat. Providing important obtained from radio-collared winter range for wildlife such bighorn sheep has shown that as the bighorn sheep, this area the sheep are using the area in also contains the only example of the spring during the transition dry Douglas fir, Ponderosa pine from the lower, winter-grazing and wheatgrass vegetation in terrain to the higher alpine ranges. Canada’s national park system. Without the benefit of periodic, low-intensity surface fires, the valley has been transformed from a healthy mixture of young, middle-aged and old forests, shrublands, open meadows and dry grassy slopes to an even-aged blanket of mature forest that is encroaching on C . Siddal, 2005 and dominating the original mosaic of species and habitats.

19 Words to Action Protection of Natural Resources

The park is committed to light and water to reach plants providing outreach and education that otherwise would not be opportunities through the Bighorn able to compete with taller in Our Backyard education grasses and dead material. and awareness program, Head Grazing also rapidly recycles Banger Tours (tour participants nutrients and distributes can observe rutting rams), and seeds across the landscape, newly created interpretive trails. allowing plants to repopulate. In addition, the project has Barrett & MacKay reached national and international In December 2005, 71 bison A Century’s Absence: audiences via the Canadian were transported to Grasslands Reintroducing the Plains Bison Geographic Kids TV episode National Park from Elk Island to Grasslands National Park and as a feature project on the National Park in Alberta and were of Canada United Nations Environmental wintered in a 40-acre holding Programme World Conservation Grassland ecosystems of the facility. In May 2006, in an effort to Monitoring Centre website. world are renowned for their restore ecological integrity and as intense beauty and striking part of the Prairie Persists project, diversity, and those of Grasslands the bison were successfully National Park of Canada are no released into the largest parcel of exception. Prairie grasslands Grasslands National Park’s West are among the most threatened Block, approximately 44,800 acres. ecosystems in Canada, and Through this project a host Grasslands National Park is of educational programs for the only national park in the local youth are offered by country that presents and the Prairie Learning Centre protects the Prairie Grasslands (an innovative educational Natural Region. The patterns partnership between Chinook and processes that have School Division and Grasslands attracted people to the prairies NP). As well, this project has for millennia have been led to a series of monitoring compromised by a century of and research partnerships that agriculture and have been altered will result in restoring grazing beyond what First Nations to the mixed-grass prairie Peoples and early European ecosystem, enhance the long- settlers would have known. term integrity of the park, and In an effort to restore the critical give Canadians the opportunity components of the park to to see this powerful symbol of their historical ecological state, the prairies and our history. Parks Canada is re-introducing the essential element of large herbivore grazing—the bison. Grazing by bison removes vegetation cover, allowing

20 Words to Action Protection of Natural Resources

Breathing Life Back into La A restoration project launched by Interestingly, local artists and Mauricie National Park of Parks Canada has included the historians have since made Canada’s Aquatic System removal of over 3,000 logs, man- use of the logs. Through Before the establishment of made structures and drowned dendrochronology, or the study La Mauricie National Park of trees to restore natural water of tree rings, historians have Canada, that region of Quebec levels, shoreline habitat and gained insight into the chronology was heavily impacted by human water flow and thereby improve of natural events such as fire use. The state of the lakes and the overall health of the park’s and weather patterns. Park staff rivers had been altered due to freshwater ecosystem. Species that have also recycled some of logging and the movement of were native to the area such as the logs, using them for minor logs to mills to the south. Dams Arctic Char and Brook Trout were maintenance and repairs. re-introduced to several lakes. were built to artificially raise Efforts have been under way and maintain water levels, and since the project’s inception to many of the region’s lakes were inform and engage Canadians stocked with non-native species in this project, with a particular of fish in order to cater to the focus on youth and local sport fishing industry. The result Aboriginal residents. The park of alterations such as these is that has also worked to reach out to when water does not flow, it loses fishermen who regularly use the its oxygen and becomes more park. Efforts to measure visitor acidic and cloudy due to decaying Parks Canada, Mathew Greer experience with these restoration accumulated debris at the bottom. efforts will be conducted as part of the next phase of the project.

Parks Canada, Michel Plante

21 Words to Action Protection of Natural Resources

22 Words to Action Parks Canada’s Relationships With Aboriginal Peoples

Parks Canada’s Relationships With Aboriginal Peoples Sharing the stories of our land, our waters, our past

Aboriginal voices are an integral part of the Parks Canada Agency, and our relationships with Aboriginal partners help guide us in our journey of learning to listen to the stories of our land, our waters and our past.

Building strong, effective and Aboriginal peoples have played Aboriginal world views mutually beneficial working and continue to play a pivotal role and traditional knowledge relationships with Aboriginal in the expansion and conservation meaningfully inform the peoples is an ongoing goal of the national park and national establishment and management for Parks Canada. The marine conservation area systems. of national parks and national Agency considers them not as A vast amount of the lands park reserves, national historic stakeholders but as privileged managed by the Parks Canada sites and national marine partners, and seeks to collaborate Agency were traditionally used conservation areas. Aboriginal with Aboriginal peoples in by one or more Aboriginal groups. voices are an integral part of all areas of its mandate. Indeed, 68% of pca-managed the Parks Canada Agency, and lands were negotiated through traditional knowledge guides us land claims, a direct result of in our journey of learning to listen Aboriginal commitment to to the stories of our land, our preservation and conservation. waters and our past. Ultimately, this helps us understand the A broad range of formal and human relationship to the natural informal arrangements are environment and enhances contributing to the goal of our experiences in nature. strengthening relationships with Aboriginal communities. Currently, out of 42 national parks and national park reserves, The following examples 24 have a formal written illustrate actions taken by process for engagement based Parks Canada toward building either on an agreement or a effective Relationships memorandum of understanding. with Aboriginal peoples.

23 Words to Action Parks Canada’s Relationships With Aboriginal Peoples Healing Broken Connections at Kluane National Park and Reserve of Canada

“For years, the park has been missing an important component with the absence of Aboriginal people. This new program is breaking down barriers and providing First Nation members with the opportunity to reconnect with their land and share in its development.”

Craig McKinnon, Project Manager, Healing Broken Connections

J F. . Bergeron/ENVIROFOTO, 2000

Parks Canada has partnered The site, located in southwestern with Kluane First Nation and Yukon, became the Kluane Game the Champagne and Aishihik Sanctuary in 1943, at which time First Nations in recognition Aboriginal peoples’ access to of the significant contribution the area for gaming and hunting that Aboriginal traditional purposes was no longer allowed. knowledge can make to the The site was designated a national management of Kluane National park and reserve in 1976. Park and Reserve of Canada, particularly to the maintenance of Launched in 2004, the four-year ecological integrity in the park. Healing Broken Connections project has taken important The Healing Broken Connections steps in welcoming members initiative helps build mutually of Kluane First Nation and respectful relationships. In Champagne and Aishihik First Kluane, this means building Nations back into the area. These relationships with the two include youth and Elder culture First Nations and helping camps, historical presentations them reintegrate traditional and traditional knowledge activities into Kluane National workshops for Aboriginal Park and Reserve of Canada. peoples and Parks Canada staff.

To increase awareness of the links between Aboriginal peoples and the park reserve, visitor experience products communicate the history and values of the land to new visitors through stories about the people, the land and the trails.

24 Words to Action Parks Canada’s Relationships With Aboriginal Peoples

Inuit Knowledge at Auyuittuq, Sirmilik and Ukkusiksalik National Parks of Canada

W . Lynch, 1996

Parks Canada has entered Traditional knowledge aids into a collaborative agreement Parks Canada in monitoring the with Inuit communities in parks, understanding ecosystem order to better understand the and climate change, guiding ecosystem and climatic changes management and research, in the Arctic. Specifically, and gaining knowledge and Parks Canada is documenting understanding of long-term Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit changes resulting from stressors. (Inuit knowledge) about the environment and natural The project describes the current resources of three national parks baseline of ecological conditions in Nunavut—Auyuittuq National in the Arctic and develops Park of Canada, Sirmilik National improved techniques to monitor Park of Canada and Ukkusiksalik ecosystem changes. This sharing National Park of Canada. of knowledge contributes to Parks Canada’s ongoing work to Inuit use of the land through maintain the ecological integrity the millennia has generated of Canada’s Arctic national parks important knowledge of the on behalf of all Canadians. ecosystems where these national parks have been established. The ancient Inuit understanding of the human relationship with the ecosystem, combined with other sources of knowledge, informs Parks Canada’s decision- making process that impacts the health of these national parks.

25 Words to Action Parks Canada’s Relationships With Aboriginal Peoples

Employment Program: Enhancing Aboriginal Employment Opportunities

“The ALDP is an incredible program that has been the catalyst for a journey of self-discovery. My entire life has been enriched by this experience, and the leaders of this Agency must be congratulated for their vision. I wish that every single person could be lucky enough to participate in a program this amazing. …Thank-you!”

Todd Sikkes, participant

“This program is a refreshing eye- opener that allows the participant to take the time to learn and self reflect, to help them move forward Reg Sylliboy, Parks Canada feeling stronger, wiser and up to the challenges of being a leader. It is also a The Aboriginal Leadership The aldp provides a unique program filled with great adventure, Development Program’s development opportunity for breathtaking scenery and creates (aldp) fundamental goal is participants to begin a leadership friendship. It also enables people to develop the participants to journey with a network of other from all levels within parks and from ensure the long-term retention Aboriginal employees from across different backgrounds to come together of Aboriginal leaders in the the country. This Yukon-based and create the most incredible positive Parks Canada Agency. national program embraces a energy I have ever experienced!” holistic approach, respecting This four-year program Stacey Taylor, participant Aboriginal cultures and is designed to create a incorporating them into all aspects knowledgeable and skilled group of training and development. of individuals at various levels within the organization. These Participants are challenged individuals enhance and enrich mentally, physically, emotionally Parks Canada’s perspective by and spiritually. The program integrating Aboriginal cultures helps participants develop and world views within all individualized career plans and facets of our operations. the opportunity to build a lifelong peer group, and enables them to develop their leadership potential and explore career opportunities within the Parks Canada Agency.

26 Words to Action Parks Canada’s Relationships With Aboriginal Peoples

Presentation of Aboriginal Themes: Aboriginal Interpretation Innovation Fund

“The Woodland Cree have to have a sense of ownership to the history of Prince Albert National Park. The curriculum lesson plans are the only forum I know of that will acknowledge that.”

Noland Henderson when asked his opinion of the PANP Aboriginal history curriculum project.

W . Lynch, 1997

Since 2000, Parks Canada has been History of the Woodland Cree investing in its capacity to develop Prior to The Establishment and deliver high-quality, on-site of Prince Albert National interpretation activities focusing Park of Canada on Aboriginal partnerships Parks Canada is helping to and personal interpretation. address an urgent need to Recent projects in Pukaskwa conduct in-depth research on National Park of Canada and the Woodland Cree’s presence Prince Albert National Park in this area as there is a risk that of Canada, for example, have their culture and traditions will created meaningful partnerships be lost forever. With the passing with indigenous people in of the Woodland Cree Elders, order to promote the relevance their life experiences and stories of traditional knowledge and will inevitably be forgotten if they Aboriginal world views in the are not recorded for posterity. management of parks and sites. Prince Albert National Park of Canada recognizes the important relationship that the Woodland Cree people have with this land and is taking steps to ensure that understanding and awareness of the Woodland Cree culture and traditions live on. In order to prepare a Woodland Cree heritage presentation and curriculum- linked social studies manual, an

27 Words to Action Parks Canada’s Relationships With Aboriginal Peoples

individual from the Woodland Elders share their wisdom with Cree community has been youth, specifically imparting contracted to conduct preliminary what they feel are the important oral history research, supported messages the park environment by Parks Canada staff. The manual embodies. The outcomes of this will be posted on the Teacher’s generational alliance include Corner on the Parks Canada web the development of interpretive site. Elders from the neighbouring panels along the park’s existing community of Weyakwin are M . Finkelstein Halfway Lake trail (a traditional part of the steering committee. route used by the Anishinaabe) Noogon gaye weeshgat Oral histories and traditional and a learning kit for park visitors. (Linking Past and Present): knowledge gathered from These media complement existing Pukaskwa National Park Elders are being compiled and Aboriginal programming, which of Canada organized into a series of stories includes personal interpretation that will comprise the manual Based on a working relationship at the park’s Anishinaabe camp. and social studies curriculum. between Pukaskwa National Park of Canada and local Aboriginal communities, this project is designed to bridge the gap between generations. Aboriginal youth explore the park with Elders and learn about the park from the Elders’ perspectives.

28 Words to Action Parks Canada’s Relationships With Aboriginal Peoples

Commemoration of Aboriginal History

“This park is a vehicle for the stories, the legacy and the heritage of the land and its people to live on. With the help of our Elders and other community members, this site will be a source of education and awareness for many generations to come.”

Pam Ward Executive Director, Metepenagiag Heritage Park

“The most difficult journey you will make is from here (the intellect) to here (the heart). You cannot make a decision by only using your intellect, you must also use your heart.” Reg Sylliboy, Parks Canada, 2007 Arleen Closter Metepenagiag Heritage Park: Senior Learning Specialist Parks Canada continues to Aboriginal Program strengthen its efforts to encourage “Keepers of the Eastern Door” Canada School of Public Service proposals and nominations for the Celebrating a rich Mi’kmaq national designation of people, cultural presence spanning more places and events important to than 3,000 years, Metepenagiag Aboriginal history and heritage. Heritage Park opened its doors to visitors on August 22nd, 2007. This world-class cultural tourism facility is the result of a partnership between the Province of New Brunswick, the Metepenagiag Mi’kmaq First Nation and the Government of Canada, including Parks Canada.

Located in the Metepenagiag Mi’kmaq First Nation community, Metepenagiag Heritage Park protects and presents the national significance of Augustine Mound and Oxbow National Historic Sites of Canada, two of the most significant Aboriginal heritage archaeological sites in eastern Canada.

29 Words to Action Parks Canada’s Relationships With Aboriginal Peoples

Visitors to this new heritage park Over the following five years, the have the opportunity to discover Nakoda First Nation worked to re- the magic of these historic sites establish its connection to the site. through an interpretation centre This included ceremonial feasts that houses a multi-screen to feed the spirits of their fallen theme theatre and a variety of ancestors and prayer ceremonies engaging, multimedia interactive to seek permission from them exhibits, with content presented for Parks Canada staff to tell the in Mi’kmaq, English and French. David Rohatensky, Parks Canada massacre story. A key part of the Oxbow National Historic Site reconnection was a cultural camp Carry the Kettle of Canada can be observed for 18 Nakoda youth, who spent First Nation: from an exterior viewing deck a week engaged in traditional A Five-Year Journey of and a number of walking trails cultural activities under the Commemoration run through the site, providing direction of Band Elders. visitors with the opportunity to “Your historic plaque is not wrong; connect with the spirit and beauty the part of the story it tells is correct. In August 2006, the Minister of the Metepenagiag landscape. The problem is that it does not tell the responded to the application by whole story. It does not tell our story.” Carry the Kettle First Nation and Metepenagiag, also known the Cypress Hills Massacre was as Red Bank, is the oldest The above statement was given designated a national historic site continuously occupied village to Fort Walsh National Historic of Canada. This set in motion a in New Brunswick, dating back Site of Canada staff in 2001 by new form of partnership aimed over 3,000 years. Since 1975, over Elders from Carry the Kettle at working together to fulfill 100 archaeological sites have First Nation in regard to the the wishes of the Elders, who been uncovered in the area. commemoration of the 1873 gave direction in 2001 that: Cypress Hills Massacre in which many of their ancestors were “The massacre story was indeed slaughtered. Parks Canada has a sacred story for the Nakoda since partnered with the Nakoda people: but it should never be a First Nation in order to ensure a private story. The story must be complete telling of this tragedy. shared with all Canadians, so that they know and learn from what While the Historic Sites and happened at that site in 1873….” Monuments Board of Canada Reg Sylliboy, Parks Canada, 2007 (hsmbc) plaque accurately explained that this event was instrumental in the formation of the North West Mounted Police, it did not convey the devastating impact that this event had on the Nakoda people. One hundred and twenty-eight years later, Carry the Kettle was determined not only to update history, but to become actively involved in sharing the story with all Canadians. 30 Words to Action Outreach Education

Outreach Education Reaching out to Canadians at home, at leisure, at school and in their communities

The face of Canada is changing; urbanization and diversification are reflected in today’s population. For Parks Canada, this raises both challenges and opportunities with respect to relevance, reach, representation and the building of new relationships.

Parks Canada’s outreach Achieving this goal requires Parks To reach out to urban and young education activities are aimed Canada to ensure it is relevant to audiences, Parks Canada is at increasing understanding Canadian society. This society is providing learning opportunities and appreciation of the value changing rapidly as immigration to Canadians at home, at and significance of Canada’s and urbanization increase and leisure, at school and in their systems of national parks, the values Canadians hold are communities. Through outreach national historic sites and national adapted to the new reality. These education initiatives grounded marine conservation areas and population trends underline the in these contexts, Parks Canada encouraging individual and importance of reaching out to can help support a connection collective actions that support the urban audiences across Canada. to place, fundamental to the protection and presentation of fulfillment of the Agency’s overall their cultural and natural heritage. mandate. Parks Canada is thus expanding its reach through carefully targeted outreach education initiatives such as audience-focused features on the Parks Canada Web site; integration of Parks Canada activities into urban venues

31 Words to Action Outreach Education

and events; engagement of Outreach education initiatives The following examples illustrate local communities in citizen are at their most effective and Outreach Education in action. science; introduction of content relevant when they are carried out into provincial and territorial in collaboration with community school curricula; use of mass stakeholders and partners. media such as television and Reaching out to new audiences magazines; and the exploration requires collaboration with of new social media and organizations and individuals connectivity technology. who can help open doors and enhance mutual understanding between Parks Canada and its publics. In addition, with many government agencies and non- governmental organizations involved in natural and cultural heritage, Parks Canada has opportunities to establish strategic partnerships to achieve outcomes of common interest and to build a network of multipliers to optimize its reach.

32 Words to Action Outreach Education

Reaching Canadians at Home: Using Technology to Connect with Canadians

“The possibility to speak to the scientists makes it very interesting for the children.”

Parent who participated in pilot

“We need to start realizing what we are doing to the world around us and take action to make it better.”

Youth participant, age range 14-17

“Wonderful to get away from the books and I would like to have this for school. The kids I am teaching do not have the financial means Parks Canada, 2006 to go over there, so this is great to Combining digital The first connectivity event took show them what is out there.” communications and place in September 2006 at the Teacher who participated in pilot interpretation, Parks Canada Parks Canada Discovery Centre successfully piloted an innovative in Hamilton, Ontario, and at the initiative called The Parks Canada Ontario Science Centre in central Connectivity Project to connect Toronto. The pilot showcased Canadians with their natural Pacific Rim National Park and cultural heritage. This Reserve, on the west coast of concept enables urban Canadian Vancouver Island. Two marine audiences to interact in real- biologists and one park warden time with expert specialists and presented the park’s beautiful conservation partners in remote but fragile ecosystems, and the heritage locations across Canada. research and monitoring they do to understand and protect them. The audience for the event was recruited from target groups including families with children, youth and teachers.

33 Words to Action Outreach Education

At the onset of the program, a Feedback from the audience was While visiting a park or site high-definition video experience encouraging. Adults and children in person provides unique brought the park to life for appreciated the entertaining and opportunities for a memorable the audience. Connecting to educational interactive approach. experience, virtual engagement participants in real-time, the three Parents were impressed with the is an extremely promising tool experts were then interviewed program’s ability to stimulate for building strong connections and discussed their research via their children’s imaginations between our increasingly urban videoconference. The event’s host while facilitating learning in lives and the nation’s diverse and encouraged audience questions unconventional and fun ways. very dispersed heritage locations. and participation and engaged Interestingly, the children’s and entertained participants drawings after experiencing using props, humour and games. the program showed surprising Interspersed throughout the detail and integration of concepts videoconference were additional mentioned in the program high-definition video footage, that were not explicitly shown multimedia animations and maps to them. From an education of the park’s marine ecosystems. perspective, teachers saw the vast potential for opportunities in the classroom and field trips.

Andrew Manske, Parks Canada, 2006

Parks Canada, 2006

34 Words to Action Outreach Education

Reaching Canadians in their Lives: The BC Ferries Coastal Naturalists Program

Dale Mumford, Parks Canada

BC Ferries and Parks Canada Using the outstanding local collaborated on a successful scenery, their own creative talents onboard “coastal naturalists” and a variety of props, nine program offered during more coastal naturalists hosted thirty- than 1,300 sailings between minute educational presentations Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay, on the outer decks of the ferry and between Horseshoe Bay and vessels. Passengers had the Departure Bay. The program, opportunity to learn about the first introduced in2006 , ran from natural environment of the Gulf June 28 through September 9, Islands, the whales and other 2007, and provided memorable marine life not always visible from experiences that both educated the surface of the water, and the and inspired passengers as they history of navigation, lighthouses traveled through the southern and settlement in the islands. Strait of Georgia and Gulf Islands region. This innovative initiative Between 30 and150 passengers is an example of how Parks participated in each presentation Canada can integrate its activities and an additional 20 to 60 into existing popular venues. engaged with the naturalists in one-to-one dialogue during each crossing. All told, over 130,000 passengers took part in these presentations.

35 Words to Action Outreach Education

Reaching Urban Canadians: Living Cities, Engaging Toronto

Tamara Tarasoff, Parks Canada, 2007

Between April 27 and April 29, The 600-square-foot exhibit was 2007, over 2,700 visitors explored designed to engage audiences the Parks Canada exhibit at through a variety of media Toronto’s Green Living Show, and personal interactions. Eye- a consumer show dedicated to catching banners and photos, a sustainable and environmentally new high-definition production friendly lifestyles. The message featuring national historic sites of our exhibit – Preserving your in the Greater Toronto Area, an heritage: a part of sustainable Urban Detective game, and a communities – brought a heritage dynamic activity on favourite element and a different twist to heritage places ensured that the show’s “green” theme. It also there were a variety of ways in drew attention to the wealth of which participants could enjoy natural and cultural treasures in themselves while discovering and around Toronto and furthered and exploring their heritage. Parks Canada’s objective of Interpreters and presenters promoting public understanding from various Parks Canada and appreciation by reaching locations also added a personal people in their own community. touch and expertise, which was greatly valued by visitors.

By participating in exciting venues and events in urban communities, Parks Canada can reach an increasing number of Canadians and enhance their sense of connection to their natural and cultural heritage.

36 Words to Action Outreach Education

Reaching Youth: Canadian Geographic Kids

Many urban youth will not visit Season six provided excellent a park or national historic site in profile for Parks Canada, with person. Reaching this important 11 of the 13 episodes featuring market segment via the medium national parks, national historic of television has therefore been sites and Parks Canada staff and a priority for the Agency. The partners. The programs began year 2006-07 saw the production airing on the Aboriginal Peoples and airing of season six of CG Television Network (aptn) in (Canadian Geographic) Kids. January 2007, and continue to be CG Kids is a television series for aired on aptn and Discovery Kids. children ages 8 to 12. Program CG Kids is another great example hosts, Sid and Cat, travel across of what can happen through the country to discover Canada’s collaboration and partnerships. natural and cultural heritage.

37 Words to Action Outreach Education

Reaching Youth: Nomads and Adventurers

Esther Parent, Parks Canada

In 2007, staff at the Fur Trade at The result was a public show in Lachine National Historic Site June 2007 during which students of Canada undertook a four- presented their families’ travels month project involving over via tales they had created with 300 students in Montréal. In Fur Trade at Lachine interpreters. partnership with the McCord An impressive teepee was also Museum, the Tohu Circus and the presented: the covering was Quebec Ministry of Education, made with students’ drawings, students discovered the nomadic which illustrated their countries ways of life of various First of birth, their families’ moves Nations, the explorations of fur across different countries, and trade-era Voyageurs and the their eventual arrival in Canada. moves of the “saltimbanques” (street entertainers) of traveling The children also came into circuses. As the majority of closer contact with Cree the participants were first- or culture when a Manitoba Cree second-generation Canadians, dancer showed them a Pow- a comparison was made wow gathering dance. The with their own moves from teepee will be presented in the different countries to Canada, various participating schools and emphasis was placed on as well as a number of public the cultural exchanges that areas throughout Montréal. took place then and today.

38 Words to Action Facilitating Visitor Experience

Facilitating Visitor Experience Connecting with Canadians through meaningful visitor experiences

Canadians and international visitors currently make more than 22 million annual visits to Canada’s national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas.

With increased urbanization, Visitor experience is the Parks Canada’s renewed an aging population, growing cumulative result of the services, focus on the visitor experience immigration and other social programs and infrastructure starts with the visitor. Agency change, the lifestyles and values offered by Parks Canada and decision-making is based on of Canadians are changing, its partners that respond to solid knowledge of visitor as are their attitudes towards visitor needs and expectations. needs and expectations. The travel and leisure. By facilitating These include the provision Agency has increased its social opportunities for meaningful of pre-visit and on-site trip science research capacity in an visitor experiences in Canada’s planning information, reception attempt to better understand national heritage places, Parks and orientation, interpretation both current and potential Canada is facing the challenge programming, campgrounds, visitors. This information is of remaining relevant to and hiking trails, opportunities for used to make decisions that representative of Canadians. recreational activities, visitor better reflect the changing safety, the ongoing post-visit Canadian society and create more relationship, and much more. opportunities for experiences that are relevant to Canadians.

39 Words to Action Facilitating Visitor Experience

Parks Canada is positioning itself The following examples to make a difference in the lives of illustrate Facilitating Visitor Canadians who visit our national Experience in action. heritage places. This personal connection gained through enjoyable visitor experiences will ensure that national parks, national marine conservation areas and national historic sites are treasured by Canadians for generations to come.

40 Words to Action Facilitating Visitor Experience

Explorer Quotient: Personalizing Visitor Experiences

“The Explorer Quotient was accurate in identifying our ‘profile’ as ‘Authentic Experiencers’, and we already enjoy many of the attractions that we were directed to. New ones were also brought to our attention, which we look forward to exploring. We think this will be a very useful tool.”

Visitor comment, Riding Mountain National Park, August 2007

“This was my dream since childhood come true!”

Visitor comment on being allowed privileged access to the upper floors of the warehouse, Chris Reardon, 2006 Lower Fort Garry NHS, August 2007

Parks Canada is refining Based on significant research to its current product and examine people’s social values “It made something we’ve done service offer to become more and beliefs in the context of before much more enjoyable.” relevant and responsive to travel, a process was constructed Visitor comment, visitors. One example of this that segments travellers into Lower Fort Garry NHS, August 2007 is through its application of nine possible explorer types, the Explorer Quotient (eq). identifying needs, interests, expectations, desires and social The eq tool is the key makeup. The nine explorer types component of the Canadian are: Authentic Experiencer, Tourism Commission’s Keep Cultural History Buff, Cultural Exploring brand program Explorer, Rejuvenator, No- aimed at making travellers the Hassle Traveller, Gentle Explorer, focus of communications and Free Spirit, Personal History product and service offering Explorer, and Virtual Traveller. initiatives. It is a shift away from the traditional “one size In 2007, four Parks Canada fits all” to the personalization locations (Fortress of Louisbourg of travel opportunities. National Historic Site, Alexander Environics Research Group Graham Bell National Historic and the Canadian Tourism Site, Lower Fort Garry National Commission have established Historic Site and Riding Mountain a scientific methodology and a National Park) used the eq tool set of tools to identify and assess to match visitor/explorer values the social values and lifestyle with opportunities to explore characteristics of travellers. and discover the national park and national historic sites.

41 Words to Action Facilitating Visitor Experience

To identify explorer types, visitors An example of an explorer Music ~ Take a break and mingle completed a brief quiz of 25 type menu for the Fortress of with locals at the tavern while questions. A personal “concierge” Louisbourg NHS of Canada: listening to the musicians. service was provided as a service enhancement designed to assist For the Cultural Explorer Louisbourg Commercial Entrepot visitors in optimizing their visitor we suggest… De La Vallière’s Storehouse ~ experience opportunity. The Learn about the importance of interactions between visitors and Getting started trade in Isle Royale’s economy. the concierge provided the visitor The Fisherman’s House with an experience or exploration Gift shop ~ Indulge in the description and a menu of Cod Fishing ~ Meet the latest Louisbourg delicacy: opportunities, advising on the fisherman, visit his home and hear historic chocolate. best way to explore and discover about his adventures at sea. Other Possibilities the park or site. Parks Canada staff were well versed in the different Main Selections Historic Dining ~ Enjoy needs and expectations of each eq an 18th‑century meal at the Life in Louisbourg type and understood what visitors Grandchamps or at L’Epée Royale. were seeking through their visit. Engineer’s Kitchen ~ Talk with the servants while they prepare Rochefort Point ~ Feel the power Visitors were very pleased with food over an open hearth. of the natural elements and sense the program. Some noted that the spirit of Louisbourg Harbour. Engineer’s Gardens ~ Ask the they were left with an experience Evening Events ~ Visit the Fortress unique to them while repeat gardener about French potager gardens and ornamental gardens. under a starry sky and observe the visitors felt empowered to do lives of Louisbourg residents. things differently than in the past, Governor’s Apartments ~ Marvel and most thought of the special at the opulent lifestyle of 18th- While in the Area place they had visited differently century French high officials. than they had previously. Mi’kmaq Trail Soldiers’ Barracks ~ Learn about In 2008, Parks Canada is the living conditions and the daily Louisbourg Playhouse expanding the eq program routine of soldiers in Louisbourg. to additional locations. Lobster/crab fishing The eq tool will become an Demonstrations and Crafts important foundation element Bakery ~ Watch the baker at work in Parks Canada’s approach and find out how 18th‑century to facilitating opportunities bread was prepared. for visitor experience. Forge ~ Let yourself be mesmerized by the fire and the rhythmic hammering of the blacksmith’s tools.

De Gannes House ~ Learn about Chris Reardon, 2006 the family life of an officer and watch a lace-making demonstration.

42 Words to Action Facilitating Visitor Experience

Making Personal Connections Through Interpretation

“Programs like this one add a whole new dimension to the visitor’s experience. Bringing art into the park has allowed both the artists and the public to connect to their natural environment.”

Barb Daniell, artist who took part in the program

Michael Burzynski, 2001

Enriched personal programming Gros Morne National Park: is one of the most powerful Art as Connection ways to engage the hearts and Over the past decade, Parks minds of visitors, and is at the Canada has worked closely core of many meaningful visitor with the arts community to experiences. Parks Canada strives connect visitors with the iconic to develop and deliver, often Gros Morne National Park in in collaboration with partners, Newfoundland and Labrador. high-quality, professional and Through the visions and authentic learning opportunities. expressions of talented musicians, painters, writers and other artists, visitors are able to connect to the park in a uniquely artistic, visual and lyrical manner.

One of the projects, titled “Art in the Park,” is the result of a partnership between Parks Canada, The Rooms - Art Gallery Division and the Canada Council for the Arts. Launched in 1998, Art in the Park invites up to five Canadian or international visual artists to live in Gros Morne for three to six weeks during the May to October period. There, the artists can explore, photograph and sketch inside the park.

43 Words to Action Facilitating Visitor Experience

Their works are later exhibited in The following testimonial is from the adjacent community of Woody a member of a group of student Point. Artists also take part in a teachers from University College public interpretation program, of the Fraser Valley. As part of sometimes in local schools, their studies, the group took the where they host workshops Voyageur Adventure program to and speak about their work. learn about new school programs:

“As part of a bonding trip for future J . Gordon, 2004 teachers, our module was excited to Fort Langley National explore the Fraser River by canoe and Historic Site: visit Fort Langley National Historic Voyageur Canoe Adventure Site. It was a fantastic experience. The Voyageur Canoe Adventure In the Voyageur Adventure, we curriculum-based program were able to paddle the mighty river, includes a canoe adventure on barrel race, sign a gold mining a quiet channel of the Fraser license and hope to strike it rich at River, where students learn Fort Langley. We ‘talked shop’ with about the voyageurs and the the local blacksmith, tried on period fur trade. In the land-based costumes, and watched a cooper program, students explore make a barrel before our very eyes. Fort Langley National Historic We could see, smell and touch Site and discover how a small history! I know myself and my Hudson’s Bay Company fur- fellow teachers are eager to bring trading post played a significant our students back to this unique and role in the story of Canada. exciting place. It makes history fun, Interpreters in colourful relevant and real for today’s kids.” costumes tell stories of the diverse families of the fur trade and of the interactions between Aboriginal peoples and European explorers and settlers in Canada from 1815 to 1914.

44 Words to Action Facilitating Visitor Experience Geocaching: Using Technology as a Means to a Great Experience

J .Yee, 2001

Geocaching is an activity that Geocaching is welcomed in combines hiking and treasure- national historic sites, national hunting using a gps (Global parks, and national marine Positioning System), which is an conservation areas and has electronic navigation system or a been practised in many of these modern version of the compass. locations for a number of years. Geocaching is suited to anyone In 2007, Parks Canada developed who enjoys combining nature new guidelines in collaboration and technology. The goal of with the geocaching community the activity is to find caches. and a variety of key stakeholders. These guidelines encourage wide and meaningful participation in this activity in a manner that respects the three facets of Parks Canada’s mandate in an integrated fashion: protecting natural and cultural resources, offering meaningful learning opportunities and facilitating memorable visitor experiences.

45 Words to Action Facilitating Visitor Experience

A member of the Parks Canada Geocaching allows Parks Canada team will meet with geocachers to reach Canadians who might wishing to place a cache in a not think to visit otherwise. national heritage place in order By providing geocachers the to approve the cache location, opportunity to use national the container and its contents. heritage places, we are also Staff will affix an official seal giving them a chance to discover to approved caches. Caches a piece of Canadian heritage. hidden in national heritage places will be located in public areas and will be accessible from trails and/or roads. Instead of containing trade items, caches will contain messages that present a unique aspect of the site, park or marine conservation area in which they are located, encouraging geocachers to share their enthusiasm for national heritage places.

46 Words to Action Facilitating Visitor Experience

Planning for Great Visitor Experiences: The Visitor Experience Assessment

Dale Wilson, 2007

The Visitor Experience The Visitor Experience Assessment was launched in Assessment for each park, site 2005 as an innovative tool for or national marine conservation increasing staff understanding area is delivered through a and involvement in realizing workshop led by Parks Canada the visitor experience concept staff drawn from a national team at the field level. Through an of specialists. The facilitation on-site workshop, staff are team walks the assembled encouraged to bring the visitor group of cross-functional site perspective actively into mind staff and key partners through during planning and decision- an examination of their product making. Results of the assessment offer “from the outside in”, as are fed into State of Site/Park seen through the eyes of visitors. Reports produced as part of the management planning cycle. The Visitor Experience Assessment has increased a sense of client focus, promoted on-site teamwork, and generated a multi-year action plan to enhance opportunities for visitor experiences.

47 Words to Action Facilitating Visitor Experience

Social science data on current Forty-two Visitor Experience A year-end analysis of the visitors, complemented by an Assessments have been assessments helps to identify overview of social, leisure, and administered since 2005 at 13 recurring areas of strength and tourism trends influencing national parks, 25 national weakness, as well as areas for visitation both now and into historic sites, one national which tools may need to be the future, are considered in marine conservation area, one developed by Parks Canada the discussions. Against this discovery centre, one townsite to assist field operations. The information backdrop, staff and one scenic parkway. These Visitor Experience Assessment then assess the products and locations can have a favourable will continue to be administered services the site offers in relation impact on the experiences of across the system in the to each stage of the trip cycle, approximately six million visitors. order of about 30 per year. from pre-trip planning and way finding, to welcome/orientation, amenities, services, activities, interpretation and programs, and finally memorabilia. During the workshop, participants devise a practical action plan to address identified shortcomings. The workshop wraps up with a visioning exercise on Dale Wilson, 2007 ideal opportunities for visitor experiences at the site.

48 Words to Action Contacting Parks Canada

Contacting Parks Canada

Executive Board Director General, Eastern Canada Northern New Brunswick External Relations and Field Unit Robert Sheldon Chief Executive Officer Visitor Experience Superintendents Kouchibouguac National Park Alan Latourelle Carol Sheedy 186, Route 117 25 Eddy St ,. 7th floor 25 Eddy St ,. 6th floor Newfoundland East Kouchibouguac NB E4X 2P1 Gatineau QC K1A 0M5 Gatineau QC K1A 0M5 Bill Brake (506) 876-2445 (819) 997-9525 (819) 997-5963 Terra Nova National Park robert sheldon@pc. gc. ca. alan latourelle@pc. gc. ca. carol sheedy@pc. gc. ca. Glovertown NL AOG 2L0 (709) 533-3121 Prince Edward Island bill brake@pc. gc. ca. Director General, Executive Director, Jewel Cunningham National Parks Ecological Integrity Branch Ardgowan National Historic Site Doug Stewart Mike Wong Newfoundland 2 Palmers Lane 25 Eddy St ,. 4th floor 25 Eddy Street, 4th floor West and Labrador Charlottetown PE C1A 5V6 Gatineau QC K1A 0M5 Gatineau QC K1A 0M5 Jeff Anderson (902) 566-7585 (819) 994-2657 (819) 994-2639 Gros Morne National Park jewel cunningham@pc. gc. ca. doug stewart@pc. gc. ca. mike wong@pc. gc. ca. P O. . Box 130 Rocky Harbour NL A0K 4N0 Mingan (709) 458-3539 Director General, Executive Director, Cristina Martinez jeff anderson@pc. gc. ca. National Historic Sites Quebec 1340, rue de la Digue Larry Ostola Michel Boivin Havre Saint-Pierre QC G0G 1P0 25 Eddy St ,. 5th floor 3, Passage du Chien-d’or Cape Breton (418) 538-3331 ext . 232 Gatineau QC K1A 0M5 C P. . 6060, Haute-Ville Chip Bird cristina martinez@pc. gc. ca. (819) 994-1808 Québec QC G1R 4V7 Fortress of Louisbourg larry ostola@pc. gc. ca. (418) 648-4042 National Historic Site Saguenay–Saint Laurent 259 Park Service Road michel bovin@pc. gc. ca. Nicole Ouellet (Acting) Louisbourg NS B1C 2L2 Director General, 182, rue de l’Église (902) 733-3500 Western and Northern Executive Director, C P. . 220 chip bird@pc. gc. ca. Canada Northern Canada Tadoussac QC G0T 2A0 Bill Fisher Kathryn Emmett (418) 235-4703 ext . 259 1550, 635 - 8th Avenue SW 1550, 635 - 8th Avenue SW Mainland Nova Scotia nicole ouellet@pc. gc. ca. Calgary AB T2P 3M3 Calgary AB T2P 3M3 Linda Frank (403) 292-6491 (403) 292-8867 Halifax Citadel National Historic Site Gaspésie bill fisher@pc. gc. ca. P O. . Box 9080, Station A kathryn emmett@pc. gc. ca. Stéphane Marchand Halifax NS B3K 5M7 Forillon National Park (902) 426-4944 Director General, Executive Director, 122, boulevard Gaspé linda frank@pc. gc. ca. Eastern Canada Mountain Parks Gaspé QC G4X 1A9 Brendan McDonald Ron Hallman (418) 368-5505 Historic Properties P O. . Box 900 Southern New Brunswick stephane marchand@pc. gc. ca. 1869 Upper Water Street Banff AB T0L 0C0 Pam Veinotte Halifax NS B3J 1S9 (403) 762-1531 Fundy National Park Québec (902) 426-4845 P O. . Box 1001 ron hallman@pc. gc. ca. Hugues Michaud brendan mcdonald@pc. gc. ca. Alma NB E4H 1B4 2, rue d’Auteuil (506) 887-6313 C . P . 10, Station A pam veinotte@pc. gc. ca. Québec QC G1K 7A1 (418) 648-4168 hugues michaud@pc. gc. ca.

49 Words to Action Contacting Parks Canada

Mauricie Western and Riding Mountain Nunavut Field Unit Thierry Bouin Northern Canada National Park Nancy Anilniliak La Mauricie National Park Field Unit Field Unit Superintendent P O. . Box 278 702, 5e Rue Superintendents Riding Mountain National Park Iqaluit NU X0A 0H0 C P. . 160, Succ . Bureau-chef Wasagaming MB R0J 2H0 (867) 975-4683 Shawinigan QC G9N 6T9 Banff National Park (204) 848-7222 nancy anilniliak@pc. gc. ca. (819) 536-2638 Kevin Van Tighem thierry bouin@pc. gc. ca. Banff National Park Manitoba Coastal BC Field Unit P O. . Box 900 Dawn Bronson Steve Langdon Banff AB T0L 0C0 Western Quebec 401-25 Fork Market Road 2220 Harbour Road (403) 762-1533 Carole Loiselle Winnipeg MB R3C 4S8 Sidney BC V8L 2P6 kevin vantighem@pc. gc. ca. 1899, boulevard De Périgny (204) 984-1111 (250) 654-4048 Chambly QC J3L 4C3 dawn bronson@pc. gc. ca. steve langdon@pc. gc. ca. (450) 447-4803 Kootenay/Yoho/Lake carole loiselle@pc. gc. ca. Louise National Parks Northern Prairies Gwaii Haanas Field Unit Field Unit Superintendent Alan Fehr Ernie Gladstone (Acting) Kootenay/Yoho/National Parks Eastern Ontario Prince Albert National Park P O. . Box 37 and Lake Louise Gavin Liddy P O. . Box 100 Queen Charlotte City BC V0T 1S0 P O. . Box 213 Rideau Canal National Historic Site Waskesiu SK S0J 2Y0 (250) 559-6300 Lake Louise AB T0L 1E0 34A Beckwith Street South (306) 663-4563 ernie gladstone@pc. gc. ca. (403) 522-1276 Smiths Falls ON K7A 2A8 alan fehr@pc. gc. ca. (613) 283-7199 Ext . 235 Yukon Field Unit Jasper National Park gavin liddy@pc. gc. ca. Saskatchewan South Anne Morin Greg Fenton Cheryl Penny 205-300 Main Street Jasper National Park Central Ontario P O. . Box 150 Whitehorse YK Y1A 2B5 P O. . Box 10 Peter Frood Val Marie SK S0N 2T0 (867) 667-3972 Jasper AB T0E 1E0 Trent–Severn Waterway National (306) 298-2257 anne morin@pc. gc. ca. (780) 852-6172 Historic Site cheryl penney@pc. gc. ca. greg fenton@pc. gc. ca. P O. . Box 567, 2155 Ashburnham Drive Peterborough ON K9J 6Z6 Southwest Northwest (705) 750-4919 Mount Revelstoke/Glacier Territories National Parks peter frood@pc. gc. ca. Ed Coulthard Pam Doyle Wood Buffalo National Park Mt . Revelstoke/Glacier National Parks Southwest Ontario P O. . Box 750 P O. . Box 350 Field Unit Superintendent Ft Smith NT X0E 0P0 Revelstoke BC V0E 2S0 15 Duke Street E . (867) 872-7943 (250) 837-7510 Kitchener ON N2H 1A2 ed coulthard@pc. gc. ca. pam doyle@pc. gc. ca. (519) 571-5721 Western Arctic Northern Ontario Waterton Lakes (Northwest Territories) National Park Field Unit Superintendent Field Unit Superintendent Rod Blair Parks Canada P O. . Box 1840 Waterton Lakes National Park 214 Red River Rd ,. Suite 301 Inuvik NT X0E 0TO Waterton Park AB T0K 2M0 Thunder Bay ON P7B 1A6 (867) 777-8800 (403) 859-5116 (807) 346-2908 rod blair@pc. gc. ca.

50 This document was produced by Parks Canada’s Stakeholder and Partner Relations Branch . For questions regarding the document or to acquire additional copies, please contact:

Director, Stakeholder and Partner Relations Parks Canada 25 Eddy St, 6th Floor Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0M5

Email: experiences editor@pc. gc. ca.