Government of Canada celebrates re-opening of Wahkotowin Visitor Information Centre in Elk Island National Park

“Through investments in our national parks, our government is improving park conservation efforts, while ensuring that Canadians have the opportunity to experience the beautiful outdoors and learn about our environment and heritage. The Wahkotowin Visitor Information Centre is an exciting addition to Elk Island National Park. This centre will be an excellent connection point for the rich Indigenous history of the area. Plus, in keeping with the important role of Elk Island in bison conservation, upgrades to boundary fencing will ensure the long-term protection of this important species. With these and many other infrastructure improvements throughout the park, we look forward to providing an incredible experience and welcoming visitors this year at Elk Island National Park.”

The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi,
Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Edmonton Mill Woods

• As part of the celebrations, the Visitor Information Centre was renamed Wahkotowin by a local Indigenous Cree Elder, Melanie Campiou. Wahkotowin is a Cree term meaning the sacred relationship with the land and all that dwells on it. It is incorporated into Indigenous kinship ties and shapes

• The Wahkotowin Visitor Information Centre now boasts informative exhibits and beautiful imagery that will guide visitors in all the park has to offer. This fully accessible building has floor to ceiling windows, a life-size bison, a kids’ zone, and Indigenous and local art work. Indigenous heritage is showcased through a traditional bison-hide Star Blanket, created by the women at Edmonton Institution for Women, and local Indigenous crafts and wares in the gift shop area.

• Parks Canada and Corrections Canada worked collaboratively in the development of visitor centre exhibits through a pilot program spearheaded with CORCAN – a key rehabilitation program of the Correctional Service of Canada. This program helps federally-sentenced Indigenous women offenders gain employability skills that prepare them for success when they are released.

• Other completed infrastructure projects include: extensive road improvements, new washroom facilities in the Astotin Recreation Area, south gate kiosk replacements, and improvements to the Astotin theatre and Astotin Campground registration and information kiosk.

• Visitation to Elk Island National Park has nearly doubled in the last decade from 198,000 visitors in 2008 to 360,000 in 2018. Just 45 kilometres east of Edmonton, this natural wonderland is an important refuge for bison, elk and more than 250 bird species.

• Parks Canada is investing an unprecedented $3 billion over five years to support infrastructure work to heritage, tourism, waterway, and highway assets located within national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas across Canada. This investment will ensure these cherished places are protected and secured for the future.

Related products

• Backgrounder: Elk Island National Park – Federal Infrastructure Investment Program Project Completion

Associated links

• Elk Island National Park
• Parks Canada
• Parks Canada mobile application

Sabrina Kim      
Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change
819-743-7138
sabrina.kim2@canada.ca

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