MN-S Presidents Glen McCallum signs a new agreement, while Elder Norman Fleury looks on. (Submitted photo/ MN-S)

By paNOW Staff

Reconciliation

New agreement provides Métis citizens free pass to national parks and historic sites

Jul 19, 2020 | 10:05 AM

A freshly signed agreement between Parks Canada and the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan (MN-S), will help encourage MN-S citizens to national park and historic sites in Saskatchewan.

Effective immediately, those citizens can now access Grasslands and Prince Albert National Park as well as Batoche, Fort Battleford, Fort Walsh and Motherwell Homestead National Historic Sites free of charge. In a statement, MN-S President Glen McCallum expressed his excitement about the agreement.

“Métis people have always respected the land. With today’s agreement, Métis citizens can explore the beauty of our province’s green spaces and connect with the land that binds us together as Métis people and as Canadians,” he said.

The agreement was signed Thursday at Saskatoon’s Friendship Park and became effective immediately.

“Reconciliation is a top priority for the Government of Canada. Today’s agreement with the Métis Nation – Saskatchewan is an important step towards honouring our commitment to renewed relationships with Indigenous peoples, based on a recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership,” Jonathan Wilkinson, the Minister responsible for Parks Canada, said in a statement.

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Representatives from the MN-S and Parks Canada attended the signing ceremony at Saskatoon’s Friendship Park. (Submitted photo/ Parks Canada)

To gain complimentary entry to locations operated by Parks Canada in Saskatchewan, MN-S citizens will receive a specially-designed pass in the near future. In the interim period, MN-S Citizenship Cards can be presented upon arriving at a national park or historic site in Saskatchewan.

As part of its mandate to ensure the health and safety of visitors and employees, Parks Canada has said it will follow the advice of public health experts and will continue to make every effort to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Visitors to Parks Canada’s places in Saskatchewan are encouraged to follow the advice of public health experts, including necessary hygiene practices and physical distancing of two metres from others.

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panews@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @princealbertnow