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Waterton Lakes Gets Belated Ceremonial Opening

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By NPT Staff - August 3rd, 2022
The new visitor center at Waterton Lakes National Park is for locals and visitors.

The new visitor center at Waterton Lakes National Park is for locals and visitors/Parks Canada

A ceremonial opening for the Waterton Lakes National Park visitor center drew Káínai Nation Chief Roy Fox and Parks Canada President/CEO Ron Hallman.

Parks Canada worked with Indigenous partners from Káínai and Piikáni Nations to ensure materials developed for the center reflect local Indigenous history, traditions, culture and connection to the area that is now the park (Paahtómahksikimi — “inner sacred lake in the mountains”). Indoor and outdoor exhibits highlight the area’s substantial biodiversity, its unique landscapes and the effects that forces of nature like wind and wildfire have on the area’s animals and plants.

Parks Canada collaborates with Indigenous peoples across the country to develop interpretive materials and activities at national historic sites, parks and marine conservation areas and foster a better understanding of Indigenous peoples’ perspectives, cultures and traditions.

Indigenous content is part of the new Waterton Lakes National Park visitor center.

Indigenous content is part of the new Waterton Lakes National Park visitor center/Parks Canada

“The new Waterton Lakes Centre is tangible proof that other governments are beginning to understand the significance and importance of our ways and lands towards a more meaningful relationship between the Nitsitapi and other North Americans,” Fox said in a news release.

“We are proud of the collaborative work that our Elders and historians have contributed in providing the essential information to the understanding representatives of the Waterton Lakes National Park and this relationship was based on mutual respect and trust. The Kainai Blood Tribe is always prepared to work with other governments on important matters, however there has to be a sincere and trustworthy relationship between and amongst us and that includes the political leaders of the Federal Government.”

The park is in Treaty 7 territory and has long been a place of significance for the region's Indigenous peoples, including the Siksikaitsitapi (Blackfoot) peoples.

About $167 million ($130 million USD) has been invested in Waterton Lakes projects through the Federal Infrastructure Investment Program. The center — which opened its doors in February and had its ceremonial opening in July — represents a significant investment under this program.

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