Point Pelee National Park Celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Day with New Welcome Sign
News release
Strengthening relationship with local First Nations
June 21, 2018 Point Pelee National Park, Ontario Parks Canada Agency
Parks Canada is committed to a system of national heritage places that celebrates the contributions of Indigenous peoples and their histories and cultures, and honours the special relationship Indigenous peoples have with their traditional lands and waters.
Today, in the spirit of reconciliation and a renewed relationship with Indigenous peoples, Point Pelee National Park unveiled a new sign welcoming visitors in three languages: English, French, and Anishinaabemowin, to be installed at the entrance to the Park. The new welcome sign was developed in partnership with Caldwell First Nation.
The new welcome sign aims to recognize the important connection the people of Caldwell First Nation have to the lands that now form part of the park. It also demonstrates Parks Canada’s commitment to advance a strong, mutually respectful relationship with Indigenous partners and work together to ensure the preservation of Point Pelee National Park for future generations.
In 1922, shortly after the establishment of the Park, members of Caldwell First Nation living within the Park boundaries were forcibly expelled from their homes, severing their ties with the lands and waters that they had stewarded for thousands of years. As families were displaced, traditions and language were lost.
The Government is committed to reconciliation and nation-to-nation relationships with Indigenous peoples, based on a recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership. Working together with more than 300 Indigenous communities across Canada, Parks Canada and Indigenous peoples are partners in conserving, restoring, and presenting Canada’s natural and cultural heritage.
Quotes
“We recognize that Indigenous peoples have inhabited these lands since time immemorial and remain integral to Point Pelee National Park’s future. Today, we are proud to once again welcome Indigenous peoples to their traditional homeland in their own language. The new sign at Point Pelee National Park provides a welcome to all visitors and demonstrates Parks Canada’s commitment to strengthening its partnerships with local First Nations communities, to ensure the care of the land for future generations.”
The Honourable Catherine McKenna,
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada
“We are still here. Caldwell First Nation, people of the Three Fires Confederacy, still walk the lands of our ancestors. I want to acknowledge the strong and resilient spirit of our people. I also want to acknowledge the four directions and all the life that our Mother has given to us. Gratitude for all the helpers who work to keep our Mother strong, protecting the lands, water, air and all life.”
Chief Mary Duckworth,
Caldwell First Nation
Quick facts
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Point Pelee National Park has a Memorandum of Cooperation with Caldwell First Nation and Walpole Island First Nation, both of which have traditional ties to the lands and waters within the Park.
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Caldwell First Nation and Walpole Island First Nation are regularly involved in the planning and implementation of restoration and conservation projects as well as archaeological work, and have opportunities to share and incorporate traditional knowledge, ceremonies and blessings in Point Pelee National Park.
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Parks Canada and Indigenous peoples work together to develop interpretive materials and activities at all national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas. Canadians are invited to visit Parks Canada places to learn about Indigenous cultures, traditions, and customs. In doing so, we can create new opportunities for Canadians to better understand the cultures and histories of Indigenous peoples in Canada.
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This year, Parks Canada is marking the 100th anniversary of the creation of Point Pelee National Park with Together with Nature, a lineup of events and activities that shine a spotlight on local communities, highlight the important role that conservation plays in the park, and foster environmental stewardship.
Contacts
Caroline Thériault
Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change
819-938-3813
caroline.theriault2@canada.ca
Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca