Banff National Park, Alberta, September 10, 2012 -- On behalf of the Honourable Peter Kent, Canada-s Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Mr. Blake Richards, Member of Parliament for Wild Rose and Chairman of the Parliamentary Tourism Caucus, today announced the launch of the Stoney Nakoda park entry pass program.
"I am pleased to welcome members of the Stoney Nakoda First Nations with lifetime, entry passes to Banff National Park as a symbol of our mutual goodwill and as an invitation to more fully participate in and benefit from this special place," said Mr. Richards. "The Stoney Nakoda park entry pass signals our commitment to renewing and deepening the relationship with Canada-s Aboriginal peoples and to strengthening a shared sense of stewardship of this national park."
A 2010 agreement between Parks Canada and the Stoney Nakoda First Nations opened the door to new ways of working towards common cultural and natural resource management objectives. Out of that agreement emerged the Family Camp, held for the last two summers at the Banff Indian Grounds and Aboriginal artist involvement in the renewal of the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, the birthplace of Canada-s network of protected places. The Stoney Nakoda First Nations Entry Pass builds on this important partnering initiative.
"Long before there was a Banff National Park, this place was used by Aboriginal people," said Minister Kent. "Parks Canada considers Aboriginal peoples as partners and works closely with a wide variety of Aboriginal groups in all regions of the country. The Stoney Nakoda First Nations Entry Pass is an opportunity to recognize their important place within the fabric of Banff National Park and Canada."
Parks Canada works to ensure Canada-s historic and natural heritage is protected and, through a network of 44 national parks, 167 national historic sites, and four national marine conservation areas, invites Canadians and people around the world to engage in personal moments of inspiring discovery at our treasured natural and historic places.
For more information on Banff National Park.
