The Spirit of Discovery Revisited in Jasper National Park
Jasper, Alberta, August 18, 2011 -- On behalf of the Honourable Peter Kent, Canada’s Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Rob Merrifield, Member of Parliament for Yellowhead, today participated in the commemoration of David Thompson in Jasper National Park. The David Thompson bicentennial celebrations not only pay tribute to the rich voyageur heritage, but also to Aboriginal connections that contributed to the success of the fur trade so many years ago.
“Many of the natural wonders Thompson saw and the travel routes and historic places that link us to his time have become national parks and national historic sites,” said Mr. Merrifield. “These places define Canada and follow Thompson’s example in connecting the land, the waters, the past and the people.”
David Thompson came into the area now known as Jasper National Park en route to the west coast. The Athabasca Pass became a common trade route for the Hudson’s Bay Company and North West Company for the next 50 years.
“2011 marks the 200th anniversary of David Thompson’s discovery of the Athabasca Pass as a route through the Rocky Mountains to the Columbia River and the Pacific Coast,” said Minister Kent. “Today, Jasper National Park hosts 2 million visitors annually from around the world.”
To commemorate this event, Parks Canada is celebrating the David Thompson Bicentennial by paying tribute to the voyageurs who travelled by river through this area.
Paddlers dressed in period outfits will guide 18 large voyageur canoes down the Athabasca River (a Canadian Heritage River) for a three-day trip through the Jasper and Hinton areas. A traditional passing of the mail bag between the Honourable Rob Merrifield and the Voyageur paddler members launched the event.
This year, Parks Canada is proudly celebrating its 100th anniversary as the first formal national park service organization in the world. Parks Canada is a world leader in managing protected areas and works to ensure that Canada’s treasured natural and historic heritage places are presented and protected for all Canadians to discover and experience for generations to come.
For additional information on the project, please see the accompanying backgrounder at www.parkscanada.gc.ca under Media Room.
-30-
Information:
Thea Mitchell
Media Relations, Jasper National Park
Parks Canada
780-852-6109
www.twitter.com/parkscanada
