Ivavvik National Park Management Plan Tabled in Parliament

News release

Parks Canada announces plan to connect Canadians to nature in the Western Arctic

October 26, 2018                     Inuvik, Northwest Territories            Parks Canada Agency

Canada’s national parks are gateways to nature, adventure, and discovery, and their protection is important for Canadians across the country, and for the Government of Canada. The management plan for Ivvavik 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. This management plan will help protect our nature and heritage of Ivvavik National Park.

The new plan for Ivvavik National Park outlines the following key objectives:

  • Protect and conserve natural ecosystems, habitat, wildlife, cultural resources, and Inuvialuit practices.   
  • Encourage opportunities for use while respecting ecological and cultural values. 
  • Ensure meaningful and tangible opportunities that strengthen Inuvialuit benefits from park-related economic activities and management, with emphases placed on both direct benefits such as employment in park operations, as well as indirect benefits through park-related business opportunities.
  • Develop understanding and awareness of the significance of the park to global natural and cultural diversity through the sharing of knowledge and experience with others.

Ivvavik National Park was established in 1984 through the provisions of the Inuvialuit Final Agreement (IFA) and together with Parks Canada, the Inuvialuit have worked to manage the park with attention to the spirit and intentions of the IFA. The continuing partnership, through bodies such as the Wildlife Management Advisory Council (North Slope), is central to the management and operation of the park and is integral to all aspects of the plan. In addition to the Wildlife Management Advisory Council (North Slope), other IFA-mandated cooperative management organizations and local community organizations worked together to develop the new plan.

Through this management plan, Parks Canada is meeting its promise to protect and present Canada’s natural heritage while also providing an opportunity for Canadians to experience and discover our environment in new and exciting ways.

In 2018 and beyond, the Government of Canada is celebrating families with free admission to all Parks Canada’s places for youth 17 and under. Parks Canada’s national heritage places are a great way for Canadians to experience the outdoors and learn more about our environment and heritage.

The Ivvavik National Park Management Plan is available for viewing on the Parks Canada’s website at: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/yt/ivvavik/info/gestion-management.

Quotes

“Parks Canada’s places belong to all Canadians and offer truly Canadian experiences. As the Member of Parliament for Yukon, I applaud this collaborative effort and thank everyone who contributed to the management plan that will help protect and share the story of Ivvavik National Park.”

The Honorable Larry Bagnell,
Member of Parliament for Yukon

Quick facts

  • Ivvavik was established in 1984 as part of the Inuvialuit Final Agreement (IFA) and is cooperatively managed by Parks Canada and Inuvialuit partners.

  • Ivvavik means “a place for giving birth, a nursery“ and is a name that recognizes the park’s significant role as part of the calving ground for the Porcupine caribou herd – a key traditional wildlife resource for the Inuvialuit and other Indigenous peoples for thousands of years. 

  • Ivvavik National Park protects for all time portions of two of Canada’s natural regions: Northern Yukon and Mackenzie Delta, and its significance stems from its ecological uniqueness and diversity, as well as its cultural landscape that is both ancient and yet strongly alive today. 

  • Commitment to maintaining ecological diversity also means protecting habitat for large mammals other than caribou such as grizzly bear, muskox, and polar bear. Coastal areas, freshwater rivers, and lakes provide major breeding and nesting areas for an incredible variety of migratory birds. The Firth River has one of the largest stocks of Dolly Varden char in western Canada.   

  • Ivvavik is recognized as a place of experiential learning for visitors about the land and its importance to Inuvialuit culture. 

Associated links

Contacts

Michelle Clyde
External Relations Manager
Western Arctic Field Unit
1-867-777-8830
michelle.clyde@pc.gc.ca


Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
1-855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca

Page details

2018-10-26