Parks Canada And The Blackfoot Tribal Council Partnering To Preserve Alberta Land

By

Justin Housman

Published Date

October 30, 2024

Forum Peak, Waterton Lakes National Park, Canada / Wikipedia

Parks Canada and the Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council are joining forces in a project to preserve land in Southern Alberta. Called the Blackfoot Guardianship of the Eastern Slopes of the Rockies, the work will be Siksikaitsitapi-led, with help from Park Canada staff from Waterton Lakes National Park.

This project is the first in Southern Alberta, and will have Blackfoot Guardians working on the ground to monitor their sacred land. The area they'll be working ranges from Waterton Lakes National Park in the south to the Livingstone Range area in the north.

Particularly, Blackfoot Guardians will be handling biocultural monitoring of trails and roadsides. They'll also be monitoring air and water quality as well as be a presence on the landscape, sharing stories and culture with visitors.

“As stewards of these ancestral lands, the Blackfoot Confederacy takes great pride in this opportunity to ensure the continued health and vitality of our environment," said Jack Royal, Chief Executive Officer Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council, in a release. "This project is not only a commitment to preserving the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Blackfoot territory but also a testament to the strength and resilience of the Blackfoot people. We look forward to a future where our lands thrive, protected by the watchful eyes of our guardians, for generations to come.”

“Blackfoot Peoples have been stewards of the lands and waters in this region since time immemorial," said Ron Hallman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Parks Canada Agency. "The Blackfoot Confederacy Eastern Slopes Guardian program will offer solutions on climate change and biodiversity loss while safeguarding the natural spaces we all depend on. Parks Canada is pleased to support this initiative both in and around Waterton Lakes National Park.”

The Indigenous Guradianship program started in 2017. Guardians initiatives are fundamentally about conservation, and they back Indigenous communities as they take the lead in protecting ecosystems, building sustainable economies, and staying deeply connected to their lands—funding for these initiatives can be seen as an investment in Indigenous rights.

This map shows areas where Indigenous Guardians are working throughout Canada now, and where they plan to be in the next 5 years.

Stories about:

Waterton Lakes National Park

Story Categories:

Parks in the News

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

form.antibot { display: none !important; } You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form.

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks