Plans for national park back in motion
The South Okanagan and Similkameen’s First Nations people once again have a leadership role in developing a national park reserve. That, says Osoyoos Indian Band Chief Clarence Louie, will mean a new national park reserve in the South Okanagan and Similkameen within the next 24 months.
Representatives of the Osoyoos, Penticton and Lower Similkameen Indian Bands stood with ministers of the federal and provincial government at the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre and announced a renewed commitment to work together to establish that national park.
“What you’re seeing is that you have for the first time the federal government working with the provincial government, working directly with (First Nations) communities to work towards establishing a park here in the South Okanagan,” said Catherine McKenna, the federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change.
“This is part of reconciliation,” she added. “We’re going to act in a respectful way. We’re going to bring together members of the community — all members, all people who live in this area — to do something incredible.”
What that “incredible” will look like will be determined over the next couple of years, said George Heyman, B.C.’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change.
In the past, he has spoken against the park reserve resembling a patchwork quilt; today he said what the park will look like was a subject “for the discussions to come.”
What was important, he added, was that the B.C. government would no longer slow the work of building that park.
We’re going to bring together members of the community — all members, all people who live in this area — to do something incredible. Federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change Catherine McKenna
“It’s important that we’re here today as a new provincial government to not be an impediment to establishing a national park, but to state our intent to be full partners with First Nations and with the federal government to see that this national park is established,” he said.
Chief Louie put an urgency to that effort.
“In the backdrop of climate change and global warming, there’s a sense of urgency that we all need to do our utmost to protect and preserve the delicate eco-systems that are impacted,” he said.
“I’m absolutely convinced that within two years there will be a new national park here in the South Okanagan and we’ll celebrate that achievement.”
Asked what she would say to those who are opposed to the park concept, Ms. McKenna replied there was a seat at the table for everyone.
“We understand that there are people who have concerns and are interested in how they will fit into this,” she said.
“The commitment we’re making is we’re going to listen to everyone and we’re going to figure out a path forward.
“This is a huge legacy piece that everyone can be very proud of. We can all find a way to move forward.”
Ms. McKenna was less specific than Chief Louie about a timeline for the project, saying only that she is “absolutely committed” and she knows “the prime minister is absolutely committed to getting this done as soon as possible.”
The small but enthusiastic group attending the announcement heard the national park concept had its roots in a 2002 effort spearheaded by Chief Louie and former Senator Ross Fitzpatrick. “I’d like to thank Prime Minister (Jean) Chretien who received the delegation and said ‘Yes, Ross, we’ll make a park for you,’” Mr. Fitzpatrick told those gathered.
“I’m going to phone him as soon as I get home today and say, ‘Guess what? We made it.’ “
Those efforts, however, faltered under the federal Conservatives and provincial Liberal governments. Discussion among the South Okanagan-Similkameen community is polarized, with “Yes” and “No” signs sprinkled about the region. Acts of vandalism have also occurred. Although at least two surveys speak to broad support for the park, a vocal opposition also has a strong voice.
Those opposed to the park speak to lost or reduced use by ranchers, utility companies, logging companies and guide and eco-tour outfitters.
Mayor Ron Hovanes from the Town of Oliver and Mike Campol, representing the Town of Osoyoos, joined local MP Richard Cannings at the event. Boundary-Similkameen MLA Linda Larson did not attend, due to a scheduling conflict with an event at Penticton Regional Hospital
I’m absolutely convinced that within two years there will be a new national park here in the South Okanagan and we’ll celebrate that achievement. Osoyoos Indian Band Chief Clarence Louie