First Nations Impact Formation of Canada’s Nahanni National Park

WHITEHORSE, Yukon, June 18 /PRNewswire/ — In a remarkable move, The Canadian government recently announced an impressive expansion of the Nahanni National Park Reserve boundaries from 5,000 square kilometres to more than 30,000 square kilometres. This is the same size as the State of Maine. This expansion is the realization of a vision which started with former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau in 1972 and has now come full-circle in this declaration by the rival conservative government.

Parks Canada and Dehcho First Nations formed The Nahanni Expansion Working Group which made recommendations on a final boundary for the National Park Reserve within the Greater Nahanni Eco System. Protection of the resource and its cultural and natural history are accomplished in this move to full National Park status. The First Nations had tremendous input into this study and the recommendations made to Parks Canada.

This paragraph is included in their vision statement: Dene are inseparable from the land. Traditional subsistence harvesting will continue to be an integral and sustainable part of the ecosystem and will occur in accordance with Dene law and principles. Naha Dehe will continue to be revered as a place of mystery, spirituality and healing.

This expansion of the boundaries of the Park assures future generations will be able to enjoy the natural and cultural history, scenic beauty, wildlife, geological formations and botanical assets of this area. It will be moulded only by natural processes and will not feel the pressure of further development.

Nahanni River Adventures and Canadian River Expeditions have been the leaders in river adventure for northern Canada and Alaska since 1972 and are longstanding supporters and political advocates of the environment. For more information, please visit these websites: www.nahanni.com or www.spectacularnwt.com

SOURCE Nahanni River Adventures and Canadian River Expeditions