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National park reserve in the South Okanagan-Similkameen moves forward
On July 2nd, 2019, the Governments of Canada and British Columbia and the syilx/Okanagan Nation signed a Memorandum of Understanding to formally work toward establishing a national park reserve in the South Okanagan-Similkameen. This is a significant step towards the establishment of a national park reserve in the South Okanagan-Similkameen.
The iʔ sc̓ax̌ʷtət / Memorandum of Understanding – which confirms the working boundary for the proposed national park reserve, outlines next steps and provides a framework of naqscn/knʔxtwix / collaboration as negotiations begin for an establishment agreement – was signed by the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable George Heyman, B.C. Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, Chief Clarence Louie of the Osoyoos Indian Band, and Chief Keith Crow of the Lower Similkameen Indian Band. Working together, the Governments of Canada and British Columbia and the syilx/Okanagan Nation are taking action to protect this iconic natural and cultural landscape for future generations.
National park reserve in the South Okanagan-Similkameen moves forward
On July 2nd, 2019, the Governments of Canada and British Columbia and the syilx/Okanagan Nation signed a Memorandum of Understanding to formally work toward establishing a national park reserve in the South Okanagan-Similkameen. This is a significant step towards the establishment of a national park reserve in the South Okanagan-Similkameen.
The iʔ sc̓ax̌ʷtət / Memorandum of Understanding – which confirms the working boundary for the proposed national park reserve, outlines next steps and provides a framework of naqscn/knʔxtwix / collaboration as negotiations begin for an establishment agreement – was signed by the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable George Heyman, B.C. Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, Chief Clarence Louie of the Osoyoos Indian Band, and Chief Keith Crow of the Lower Similkameen Indian Band. Working together, the Governments of Canada and British Columbia and the syilx/Okanagan Nation are taking action to protect this iconic natural and cultural landscape for future generations.
To subscribe for updates on the proposed national park reserve in the South Okanagan-Similkameen, please email southokanagansud@pc.gc.ca and let us know.
iʔ sc̓ax̌ ʷtət (Memorandum of Understanding)
Click here for the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Canada, the Government of British Columbia and the Okanagan Nation, signed July 2, 2019.
"What We Heard" Report
In support of its commitment to openness and transparency, Parks Canada is
sharing a summary of the results of the public consultations through a “What We
Heard” report, which was developed by a third-party consultant. See the "Documents and Maps" section to download a copy. The detailed report is available upon request.
Videos
Click here to play video
Presentation by Parks Canada
Find out more about the proposed boundary for the national park reserve and the key aspects for consideration in the management of the lands by watching this presentation.
Let's talk South Okanagan – Similkameen has finished this stage
December 10, 2018 - March 15, 2019, This consultation is closed.
What We Heard Report
Let's talk South Okanagan – Similkameen has finished this stage
Spring 2019- A summary of the results of the public consultations through a "What We Heard" report has been shared on this website.
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
Let's talk South Okanagan – Similkameen has finished this stage
On July 2, 2019, a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) was signed between the Government of Canada, the Government
of British Columbia, and the syilx/Okanagan Nation (as represented by the
Osoyoos Indian Band and the Lower Similkameen Indian Band) to formally work
toward establishing a national park reserve in the South Okanagan-Similkameen.
Negotiations Period – 2020 onwards
Let's talk South Okanagan – Similkameen is currently at this stage
The current stage of the process
is negotiating a formal national park reserve establishment agreement. An
establishment agreement defines the terms and conditions for the development,
management and operation of the national park reserve and requires support from
the Government of British Columbia, Government of Canada and the syilx/Okanagan
Nation.