A third First Nation, Aseniwuche Winewak, is calling on Parks Canada to engage in negotiations to restore their access to Jasper National Park and include their involvement in the park’s co-management. The band contends that they were evicted from the park upon its establishment in western Alberta. They argue that as the park’s neighboring Indigenous Peoples and former inhabitants, their historic ties to the land warrant their inclusion in discussions about its management.
The plea from Aseniwuche Winewak follows a recent ceremony held by Parks Canada in the park, which marked the re-establishment of an ancient treaty between the Simpcw and Stoney First Nations. This treaty facilitates resource sharing within Jasper National Park. Although a Parks Canada spokesperson clarified that the ceremony did not grant new rights to any First Nation, David MacPhee, the president of Aseniwuche Winewak, expressed frustration that his people were being left out.
According to the band’s oral history, they were evicted from the park in 1911, with the intervention of the Mounties. MacPhee mentioned that their rifles were confiscated in an attempt to deprive them. Despite the eviction, approximately 550 band members continue to reside adjacent to the park and heavily rely on the land and waters of the region to sustain their culture and way of life.
Aseniwuche Winewak questions why Parks Canada prioritized agreements with First Nations that are geographically distant from the park, rather than pursuing reconciliation with the resident Indigenous Peoples of Jasper National Park. They argue that their claim to historic ties is equally as compelling as the recognized bands. The band acknowledges that they are mountain people, deeply rooted in the surrounding area.
Jasper National Park superintendent Alan Fehr denies that Aseniwuche Winewak was ignored, explaining that the recent ceremony primarily focused on the Simpcw and Stoney First Nations initiating the renewal of their treaty. He assures that further discussions with Indigenous groups will take place concerning all park activities, including limited hunts, and that Aseniwuche Winewak is welcome to participate.
FAQ
Q: What is Aseniwuche Winewak advocating for in Jasper National Park?
A: Aseniwuche Winewak is advocating for increased access, including limited hunting rights, in Jasper National Park.
Q: Why do they believe they deserve inclusion in the park’s co-management?
A: Aseniwuche Winewak argues that as the park’s current neighboring Indigenous Peoples and former inhabitants, their historic ties to the land warrant their involvement in the park’s co-management.
Q: How did Aseniwuche Winewak lose access to Jasper National Park?
A: According to the band’s oral history, they were evicted from the park in 1911, with the intervention of the Mounties.
Q: How are they connected to the region surrounding the park?
A: Approximately 550 band members of Aseniwuche Winewak continue to live adjacent to the park and rely on the land and waters of the region to support their culture, well-being, and way of life.
Q: Why does Aseniwuche Winewak question Parks Canada’s prioritization?
A: Aseniwuche Winewak questions why Parks Canada prioritized agreements with First Nations that are geographically distant from the park, rather than focusing on reconciliation with the resident Indigenous Peoples of Jasper National Park.