Wapusk National Park Management Plan Tabled in Parliament
News Release
Parks Canada announces plan to connect Canadians to natural and cultural heritage in Northern Manitoba
January 17, 2018 Churchill, Manitoba Parks Canada Agency
The management plan for Wapusk National Park 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’s places.
Canada’s national parks are gateways to nature, adventure, and discovery.
The new plan for Wapusk National Park outlines the following key strategies:
· Working toward greater participation of regional Indigenous Peoples and expanded
presentation of Indigenous culture;
· Creating connections and inspiring Canadians; and,
· A healthy park for all; having Canadians take pride in the integrity of the park’s
unique ecosystems and cultural history.
The plan was developed through public consultation and based on input from local residents, stakeholders, partners, and Indigenous communities from the surrounding Churchill 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 Wapusk National Park Management Plan includes objectives aimed at increasing and improving collaboration with local First Nations 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 environment. Canada’s national parks are playing a big part in the celebration of Canada 150.
The Wapusk National Park Management Plan is available for viewing on the Parks Canada website.
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 Wapusk National Park.”
Catherine McKenna,
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada
Quick Facts
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Wapusk National Park is recognized nationally and internationally for its significant biological diversity. The park extends from Hudson Bay at its northern extremity to the edge of the boreal forest in the south, and encompasses 11,475 square kilometres of wilderness. With a rare concentration of habitats for polar bears, birds, and plants, Wapusk National Park attracts visitors and researchers to the Churchill region from all over the world.
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Wapusk is Cree for ‘white bear’. The name holds special significance and represents the close connection between the polar bear and one of the Indigenous cultures associated with the park. Wapusk National Park protects one of the largest concentrations of polar bear maternity dens in the world.
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Access to the park is gained primarily by helicopter or over-snow vehicle. Parks Canada’s staff is present in the park intermittently throughout the year to perform inspections, undertake maintenance, lead youth engagement initiatives, and conduct and support research and monitoring.
Associated Links
Contacts
Jodi Duhard
Public Relations and Communications Officer
Manitoba Field Unit
204-984-1758
jodi.duhard@pc.gc.ca
Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca