Fort Battleford National Historic Site Management Plan Tabled in Parliament
News Release
Parks Canada announces plan to connect Canadians to heritage in Saskatchewan
October 13, 2017 Battleford, Saskatchewan Parks Canada Agency
The management plan for Fort Battleford National Historic Site was tabled in Parliament recently. Reviewed every 10 years, management plans are a legislative requirement of the Canada National Parks Act and guide the management of Parks Canada places.
National historic sites reflect the rich and varied heritage of our nation.
The new plan for Fort Battleford National Historic Site outlines the following key strategies:
· Local and regional awareness of and participation in Fort Battleford National Historic Site as a community hub will lead to increased visitation; and,
· Partnerships with individuals and groups who value the site, in order to provide visitors with an enhanced and diversified experience.
The plan was developed through public consultation and based on input from local residents and organizations, visitors, stakeholders, partners and Indigenous communities from the Battleford area. Through this management plan, Parks Canada is meeting its promise to protect and present Canada’s cultural heritage while also providing an opportunity for Canadians to experience and discover our diverse history in new and exciting ways.
Parks Canada is committed to a network of national heritage places that celebrates the contributions of Indigenous Peoples, their histories and cultures, as well as the special relationship Indigenous Peoples have with the lands and waters. The Fort Battleford National Historic Site Management Plan includes objectives aimed at increasing and improving collaboration with local First Nations and Métis and continued efforts will be made towards achieving these objectives.
As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017, the Government of Canada invites Canadians to learn more about our history. Canada’s national historic sites are playing a big part in the celebration of Canada 150.
Quotes
“Canada’s national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas belong to all Canadians and offer truly Canadian experiences. As the Minister responsible for Parks Canada, I applaud this collaborative effort and I am pleased to approve this management plan for Fort Battleford National Historic Site.”
Catherine McKenna
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada
Quick Facts
-
Fort Battleford National Historic Site is located in the town of Battleford, approximately 150 kilometres northwest of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Established in 1876 by the North West Mounted Police to create a Canadian presence in the Northwest Territories, the site was designated a national historic site in 1923.
-
Fort Battleford National Historic Site commemorates the role of the North-West Mounted Police at the fort from 1876 to 1885 in extending the Canadian government’s interests in the west. The role of the fort during the North-West Rebellion/Resistance of 1885, included its role in the “siege” of Battleford, as a base for the military operations at Cut Knife Hill, Fort Pitt, and the search for Mistahi-Maskwa (Big Bear). It was also the site of the surrender of Pîhtokahânapiwiýin (Poundmaker) to General Middleton’s forces on May 26, 1885.
-
The site welcomes an average of 5,000 visitors each year.
Associated Links
Contacts
Lisa Leuty
Public Relations and Communications Officer
Saskatchewan South Field Unit
306-975-6805
lisa.leuty@pc.gc.ca
Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca