The Displacement of Indigenous Peoples for National Parks 

The history of establishing national parks and game reserves in Canada is both intricate and controversial, particularly concerning the displacement of Indigenous peoples. These protected areas are praised for their natural beauty and conservation work, but their creation frequently came at the expense of Indigenous communities who had lived on these lands for generations.

The Canadian national parks system began with Banff National Park in 1885. These early parks were primarily set up for recreational use and tourism, often disregarding the rights and presence of Indigenous peoples. The federal government implemented policies that forcibly removed Indigenous communities from these lands, disrupting their traditional ways of life and connection to the environment (Loo, 2006).

A significant example is the displacement of the Stoney Nakoda people from Banff National Park. The Stoney Nakoda had long depended on the land for hunting, fishing, and cultural practices. Yet, with the park’s establishment, they were forcibly removed and barred from practicing their traditional activities within the park’s boundaries (Sandlos, 2008).

Similarly, the creation of Jasper National Park in 1907 resulted in the displacement of the Aseniwuche Winewak Nation. The government did not recognize their land rights, leading to their eviction without adequate compensation or provisions, which disrupted their community and livelihoods (O’Neil & Natcher, 2007).

The impact of such displacement has been profound and enduring. Losing access to traditional hunting and fishing grounds has not only affected their sustenance but also their cultural practices and heritage. The exclusion from their ancestral lands has caused significant social, economic, and psychological effects on these communities (Sandlos, 2008).

In recent years, there has been increased recognition of the injustices faced by Indigenous peoples due to the creation of national parks and reserves. Parks Canada has started to make amends by acknowledging historical wrongs, involving Indigenous communities in park management, and establishing co-management agreements. For instance, in 2018, Parks Canada and the Îyârhe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina Nations signed an agreement to manage parts of Banff National Park together (Parks Canada, 2018).

These efforts are crucial for reconciliation and recognizing the rights and contributions of Indigenous peoples. However, the legacy of displacement still affects many communities, underscoring the need for continued dialogue and actions to address past wrongs and ensure a more inclusive approach to conservation.

While national parks and game reserves in Canada are important for environmental conservation, it is vital to acknowledge and address the severe impact on Indigenous peoples to build a more equitable and inclusive future in conservation.

References

Loo, T. (2006). States of Nature: Conserving Canada’s Wildlife in the Twentieth Century. UBC Press.

Sandlos, J. (2008). Hunters at the Margin: Native People and Wildlife Conservation in the Northwest Territories. UBC Press.

O’Neil, J.D., & Natcher, D.C. (2007). “From Land Use to Landscape: An Evaluation of Archaeological and Cultural Values at Jasper National Park.” Canadian Journal of Archaeology, 31(2), 191-211.

Parks Canada. (2018). “Historic Agreement Signed between Parks Canada and Îyârhe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina Nations.”