The Government of Alberta has created Kitaskino Nuwenëné Wildland Provincial Park following months of collaborative discussions with Indigenous Peoples, industry and other stakeholders. Consultation with Indigenous communities, stakeholders and the public occurred between December, 2018 and February, 2019.
Previously referred to as the Biodiversity Stewardship Area Wildland Provincial Park during the consultation period, the area’s new name, Kitaskino Nuwenëné, is both Cree and Dene meaning “our land.”
The new Wildland Provincial Park covers an area of 161,880 hectares. As a result of feedback received during the consultation period, the final boundary of the park was adjusted to accommodate industrial activities currently taking place in the area.
To achieve the broader biodiversity and conservation goals for the area, a collaborative approach between the Government of Alberta, Indigenous communities and industry was taken to determine the land base. By voluntarily relinquishing oilsands and mining leases in response to Indigenous Peoples’ concerns, industry champions Teck Resources, Cenovus Energy and Imperial played a vital role in securing the land base for the new park.
Supports Treaty Rights and Traditional Use
Existing rights of Indigenous peoples are respected in all Wildland Provincial Parks, which remain open to hunting, trapping, fishing and other traditional use activities. Natural values found in this area and northeastern Alberta are generally described by Indigenous Peoples as important to supporting the distinctive cultures of their communities.
Initially proposed by Mikisew Cree First Nation, the Wildland Provincial Park will safeguard Indigenous peoples’ way of life while addressing concerns raised in a 2016 UNESCO report on Wood Buffalo National Park.
Kitaskino Nuwenëné Wildland will support the exercise of Treaty and harvesting rights for First Nations and approved Metis harvesters, as well as other traditional uses, including cultural activities, for Indigenous Peoples. The area includes many natural values important to Indigenous People’s culture and well-being, including the Ronald Lake bison herd - a critical species for many Indigenous Peoples in the region who share a cultural relationship with the herd.
Alberta Parks will work closely with interested Indigenous communities and organizations to identify an approach to cooperatively manage the area. Objectives of a cooperative management approach could include:
Conservation
The park will increase protection of the Peace-Athabasca watershed, while increasing connectivity between existing Wildland Provincial Parks and Wood Buffalo National Park, which is important to maintain ecological integrity and habitats for species at risk like woodland caribou.
Recreation
The park would maintain its wild, undeveloped character. Recreation opportunities would focus on wilderness-oriented recreation experiences, hunting and fishing, and experiencing nature with few if any amenities.
Nature-based recreation opportunities would be focused on remote backcountry experiences where visitors can experience solitude, challenge and personal interaction with nature. Facilities would be limited to trails and rustic backcountry campsites. Nature-based ecotourism or adventure tourism opportunities could be supported. Details of this nature could be identified through future management planning processes.
|
Activity |
Permitted Activities – |
|
Foot Access |
Yes |
|
Equestrian Use |
Yes |
|
Hunting |
Yes |
|
Fishing |
Yes |
|
Backcountry Camping |
Yes |
|
Off-highway Vehicle/Snowmobile Use |
Yes – On existing trails |
|
Trapping |
Yes |
|
Existing Petroleum and Natural Gas Commitments |
Yes |
|
New Petroleum and Natural Gas |
Yes, but with no surface access |
|
Fixed Roof Accommodation |
Maybe – Non-auto access backcountry or fly-in lodges may be permitted if compatible with site values and objectives and restricted to backcountry facility zones |
|
Helicopter/Float Plane Landing |
Maybe – A permit for landing is required. |
|
Auto Access Camping |
No |
|
Large Scale Tourism Development |
No |
|
Commercial Forestry |
No |
|
Coal, Metallic and Industrial Minerals |
No |
Disclaimer: We thank you for providing your input. Those who submit feedback will not be contacted individually regarding their submission.
