B.C. First Nation upset over shortened park closure dates

British Columbia First Nation Expresses Concerns Over Shortened Provincial Park Closure A First Nation in British Columbia has raised objections to the provincial government’s May announcement limiting recreational closures at a park within its traditional territory to 31 days across June and September. The decision has prompted statements from Indigenous leadership on the adequacy of consultation and the protection of cultural practices. The affected park, located in the province’s interior, has seen seasonal access restrictions in prior years to accommodate Indigenous activities. The new schedule reduces the total closure period compared with earlier proposals discussed with the First Nation.

The Announcement and Immediate Reaction

On May 12, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy confirmed that the park would close to recreational visitors for 15 days in June and 16 days in September. Ministry spokesperson Lena Patel stated that the dates were selected “to balance visitor access with respect for Indigenous interests while supporting regional tourism recovery.” Chief Roberta Williams of the Nuxalk Nation, whose territory includes the park, responded on May 14 that the shortened period “does not provide sufficient time for our people to conduct essential cultural and stewardship activities without interference.” She added that the Nation had requested a longer window during government-to-government discussions held in April.

Background on Park Management and Indigenous Relations

The park in question was established in the 1960s and expanded through subsequent land designations. It lies within the traditional territory of the Nuxalk Nation, which has never signed a treaty with the Crown. British Columbia’s 2019 adoption of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act requires ministries to obtain free, prior and informed consent on decisions affecting Indigenous rights. Seasonal closures for cultural purposes have been used in previous years to support Nuxalk stewardship practices in the area.

By Alex Thompson, Staff Writer