WASAGAMING, MANITOBA, July 25, 2006 -- Parks Canada and the Coalition of First Nations are working to improve working relationships and enhance partnerships for the seven First Nation communities with interests in Riding Mountain National Park of Canada. The Riding Mountain Forum Agreement was signed today by Mr. Inky Mark, Member of Parliament for Dauphin―Swan River―Marquette on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada.
"Today's signing is the culmination of more than 18 months of negotiations which support the federal government's commitment to enhancing partnerships with First Nation people, engaging them more actively in the management of our protected heritage areas and providing more tangible results related to employment and economic development," Minister Ambrose said. "By supporting this project and other First Nations initiatives, we continue our work in narrowing the socio-economic gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians."
The Riding Mountain Forum provides the opportunity to resolve issues of common concern or interest between Parks Canada Agency and the Coalition of First Nations. Issues identified to date and for which strategies are being developed and implemented include: employment and economic development opportunities; First Nation cultural tourism; the use of natural resources for traditional spiritual and commemorative purposes; the presentation of First Nations history and culture; the management of bovine tuberculosis; and park management planning.
"This agreement brings together representatives of the Coalition of First Nations and the Government of Canada to celebrate a new way of working together that will benefit both parties," said Mr. Mark. "It is a shining example of a true partnership and what can be accomplished by working in concert with our partners."
"The Coalition has been instrumental in developing a positive, productive working relationship with Parks Canada that stands as a model across Canada and internationally," said Dwayne Blackbird, Coalition of First Nations Coordinator. "Together, we have created a win-win situation which allows the First Nations to demonstrate the tremendous contribution we can make when we have a partner who treats us with respect and knows how to listen."
The Coalition of First Nations is comprised of seven First Nations in the Riding Mountain region who consider the national park to be part of their traditional territory. They include Ebb and Flow First Nation, Gamblers First Nation, Keeseekoowenin Ojibway First Nation, Rolling River First Nation, Tootinaowaziibeeng Treaty Nation, Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation and Waywayseecappo First Nation.
Earlier this year, $82 500 in contribution funding was granted by the Parks Canada Agency to the West Region Tribal Council on behalf of the Coalition of First Nations. It was used to finalize the Riding Mountain Forum Agreement, to implement a First Nations Resource Technician Program in support of the Manitoba Bovine Tuberculosis Management Program and increase the opportunity for First Nation communities to more actively participate in a major review of the park management plan for Riding Mountain National Park of Canada which is currently underway.
Information:
Ryan Sparrow
Associate Director and Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
(819) 997-1441
Greg Fenton
Superintendent
Riding Mountain Field Unit
Parks Canada Agency
(204) 848-7222
