Backgrounder associated with this News Release
HAYES RIVER DESIGNATED AS CANADIAN HERITAGE RIVER
WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, June 11, 2006 -- One of Canada's most unspoiled and historically significant waterways the Hayes River in Manitoba is now a member of the Canadian Heritage Rivers System (CHRS).
Mr. Rod Bruinooge, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, with the Honourable Stan Struthers, Manitoba's Minister of Conservation, today unveiled a CHRS plaque commemorating the Hayes River designation on Canadian Rivers Day.
"This magnificent river has played an influential role in Canada's development as a nation," said Minister Ambrose. "As the only navigable waterway connecting the southern interior of Western Canada and Hudson Bay, the Hayes was a vital transportation route for Aboriginal peoples, fur traders and explorers, and opened vast reaches of our country to exploration. It was also pivotal in the operations of the Hudson's Bay Company, which used the river as a corridor to ship cargo and furs between the Old World and the New. Today, Canadians can see traces of this rich heritage on the river, and enjoy exceptional recreational and wilderness experiences."
"Few other rivers offer Canadians such a unique opportunity to experience our natural and cultural heritage," said Minister Struthers. "For the First Nations along the river, designation of the Hayes as a Canadian Heritage River is the culmination of many years effort working with Manitoba Conservation to help conserve and care for this river that is their highway and home. All Manitobans who participated in the planning process should be proud to see their efforts come to fruition with the river's designation."
"I am delighted that this beautiful and historic river was added to Canada's family of heritage rivers, the Canadian Heritage Rivers System," said Mr. Bruinooge. "In the spirit of Canadian Rivers Day, I commend the efforts of the First Nations and partners who will conserve this river for present and future generations of Canadians to experience and enjoy."
The Hayes traverses the traditional territory of four First Nations Norway House Cree Nation, Bunibonibee Cree Nation, Shamattawa First Nation and York Factory Cree Nation. For these First Nations the historic Hayes River fur trade route is part of their history, as well as a current transportation route along which people continue to practice traditional activities such as hunting, fishing and trapping. Three CHRS plaques for the Hayes River will be installed at prominent locations along the river (Norway House, Oxford House and York Factory) with local community celebrations planned for later in the summer.
The Hayes is the longest naturally flowing river in Manitoba. The CHRS designation is for the entire 600 kilometre fur-trading route used by the Hudson Bay Company between Norway House National Historic Site of Canada near Lake Winnipeg and York Factory National Historic Site of Canada on Hudson Bay. It encompasses a portion of the east channel of the Nelson River, the Echimamish and Hayes Rivers. It cuts through a pristine landscape of granite outcrops and boreal forest in the south, traversing the Precambrian Shield, before it makes its way through ancient marine sediments and taiga forest in the north to reach the bay.
At the ceremony, Minister Struthers also released the management plan for the Hayes River. The plan, required to achieve Canadian Heritage River status, presents an integrated resource management program that will deal with water quality, public awareness, natural and cultural heritage, and recreational use.
"With all people embracing the common goals of this plan for the Hayes and incorporating these goals in their own activities, we can achieve a level of care for the river that is befitting its designation as a Canadian Heritage River," said Struthers.
Today's ceremony was held in conjunction with Paddle Manitoba's "Paddlefest" at Fort Whyte Centre. Hundreds of paddling enthusiasts were in attendance to celebrate Canadian Rivers Day, rivers and all forms of paddling.
The Canadian Heritage Rivers System is Canada's national river conservation program. It is a cooperative program of the governments of Canada, all ten provinces and three territories. The objectives of the CHRS are to give national recognition to Canada's outstanding rivers and to ensure long-term management that conserves their natural, cultural and recreational values.
Information:
Ryan Sparrow
Associate Director and Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
(819) 997-1441
Paul White
Communications Coordinator
Province of Manitoba
(204)-945-8124
Dawn Bronson
Superintendent Manitoba Field Unit
Parks Canada
(204) 984-1111
Gord Jones
Director
Parks and Natural Areas Branch
Manitoba Conservation
(204) 945-4362
