Parks Canada and Manitoba Metis Federation announce Indigenous Peoples Open Doors Program offering complimentary entry to Manitoba Métis citizens to Riding Mountain National Park

June 30, 2021

Wasagaming, Manitoba - Parks Canada Agency

As part of Parks Canada's Indigenous Peoples Open Doors Program, Parks Canada and the Manitoba Metis Federation are proud to announce that Manitoba Métis citizens are exempted from paying entry fees to Riding Mountain National Park.

Working together with Indigenous groups across Canada, Parks Canada and Indigenous peoples are partners in conserving natural and cultural heritage and sharing the stories of these treasured places. Parks Canada is committed to a system of national heritage places that recognizes and honours the contributions of Indigenous nations, their histories and cultures, as well as the special relationships Indigenous peoples have with traditional lands and waters.

Parks Canada's Indigenous Peoples Open Doors Program provides ease of access, by removing entry fees for Indigenous peoples who have traditional ties with Parks Canada sites as a way of encouraging their reconnection to these heritage places. The Manitoba Metis Federation shares in the traditional connections that Métis people of Manitoba hold with the lands and waters protected and administered by Parks Canada in the province in Manitoba.

To gain complimentary entry to Riding Mountain National Park, citizens of the Manitoba Métis community are requested to present their Manitoba Metis Federation Citizenship or Harvester Card upon arrival. With presentation of either card, Parks Canada will provide Manitoba Métis citizens with complimentary entry for the duration of their visit.

The health and safety of visitors and employees is of utmost importance to the Government of Canada. Parks Canada is following the advice of public health experts and continues to make every effort to limit the spread of COVID-19. Visitors to Riding Mountain National Park should follow the advice of public health experts, including necessary hygiene practices and physical distancing of two metres from others. Visitors are asked to plan ahead by checking the Parks Canada website before they travel, to determine the following: what is open, what they can expect and how to prepare for their visit.

Quotes

"The Parks Canada's Indigenous Peoples Open Doors Program seeks to enhance relationships with Indigenous communities by enabling access to national parks and national historic sites. As an important step towards honouring our commitment to renewed relationships with Indigenous peoples, based on a recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership, I'm pleased that Parks Canada and the Manitoba Metis Federation have formalized this agreement to offer complimentary access to Riding Mountain National Park for all Manitoba Métis citizens."

The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada

"The Manitoba Metis Federation is proud to announce that Manitoba Métis citizens will have free access to Riding Mountain National Park through Parks Canada's Indigenous Peoples Open Doors Program. The Manitoba Métis were Canada's negotiating partner in Confederation and the founders of the Province of Manitoba. We must recognize the historical significance and connection that national parks and national historic sites have in the creation of the Métis Nation, Manitoba, and Canada."

David Chartrand
President, Manitoba Metis Federation

"Free entry into Riding Mountain National Park creates an exciting opportunity for our Manitoba Métis citizens to visit and reconnect with one of Canada's spectacular national parks. This program will provide visitors the opportunity to learn about the history behind the creation of the Métis Nation, the founding of Manitoba and the role of Louis Riel and the provisional government."

Leah LaPlante
Minister Responsible for Natural Resources, Manitoba Metis Federation

Quick Facts

• The Open Doors Program with Manitoba Metis Federation will remain in effect until December 31, 2025. The Agreement will be up for review and renewal in 2026.
• Métis citizens of Manitoba are welcome to Riding Mountain National Park and are encouraged to self-identify with our Visitor Services staff upon arrival for complimentary entry.
• Manitoba Metis Federation citizens are also exempted from paying entry fees to the Riel House and Lower Fort Garry National Historic Sites in Manitoba through the Indigenous Open Doors Program.
• Other fees for attractions or services such as camping or special programs, or any other levies associated with national park or national historic site use, other than entry, still apply.
• The Indigenous Peoples Open Door Program waives entry fees into Riding Mountain National Park and does not permit hunting, fishing, trapping wildlife, harvesting plants and natural objects or the removal of cultural objects.

Related Links

• Manitoba Metis Federation
• Riding Mountain National Park
• Parks Canada mobile application
• Parks Canada

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Contacts

Moira Kelly
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change
819-271-6218
moira.kelly@canada.ca

Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.medias-media.pc@canada.ca

Shaun Cassan
Public Relations and Communications Officer
Riding Mountain Field Unit
Parks Canada
204-570-1109
shaun.cassan@canada.ca

Kat Patenaude
Media Relations Advisor
Manitoba Metis Federation
204-801-7710
Kat.Patenaude@mmf.mb.ca

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Parcs Canada et la Fédération des Métis du Manitoba annoncent que le programme Portes ouvertes à l'intention des peuples autochtones offre l'accès gratuit au parc national du Mont-Riding pour les citoyens métis du Manitoba

Le 30 juin 2021 - Wasagaming (Manitoba) - Agence Parcs Canada

Dans le cadre du programme Portes ouvertes à l'intention des peuples autochtones, l'Agence Parcs Canada et la Fédération des Métis du Manitoba sont fières d'annoncer que les citoyens métis du Manitoba sont exonérés du droit d'entrée au parc national du Mont-Riding.

En collaborant avec de nombreux groupes autochtones répartis aux quatre coins du pays, Parcs Canada et les peuples autochtones sont des partenaires lorsqu'il s'agit de préserver le patrimoine naturel et culturel et de faire connaître les histoires de ces endroits précieux. L'Agence Parcs Canada est déterminée à ce que son réseau de lieux patrimoniaux nationaux reconnaît et honore les contributions des nations autochtones, leurs histoires et leurs cultures ainsi que leur attachement particulier aux terres et aux eaux ancestrales.

Le programme Portes ouvertes à l'intention des peuples autochtones de Parcs Canada offre à ces derniers un accès facile aux lieux administrés par l'Agence qui se trouvent sur des terres avec lesquelles ils ont des liens traditionnels, en les exonérant du droit d'entrée afin de les encourager à renouer avec ces lieux patrimoniaux. La Fédération des Métis du Manitoba partage les liens traditionnels des Métis du Manitoba avec les terres et les eaux de la province qui sont protégées et gérés par Parcs Canada.

Pour accéder gratuitement au parc national du Mont-Riding, les citoyens de la communauté métisse du Manitoba doivent présenter à leur arrivée leur carte de récolte ou de citoyenneté de la Fédération des Métis du Manitoba. Sur présentation de l'une ou l'autre de ces cartes, Parcs Canada offrira aux citoyens métis du Manitoba l'entrée gratuite pour la durée de leur visite.

La santé et la sécurité des visiteurs et des employés sont de la plus grande importance pour le gouvernement du Canada. Parcs Canada suit les conseils des spécialistes de la santé publique et continue à faire tout son possible pour limiter la propagation de la COVID-19. Les visiteurs du parc national du Mont-Riding doivent suivre les conseils des spécialistes de la santé publique, notamment en ce qui concerne les bonnes pratiques d'hygiène et la distanciation physique de deux mètres. On demande aux visiteurs de planifier en consultant le site Web de Parcs Canada avant leur départ afin de savoir ce qui est ouvert, ce à quoi ils peuvent s'attendre, et comment se préparer pour leur visite.

Citations

« Le programme Portes ouvertes à l'intention des peuples autochtones de Parcs Canada vise à améliorer les relations avec les communautés autochtones en donnant accès aux parcs nationaux et lieux historiques nationaux. Constituant une étape importante en vue d'honorer notre engagement à l'égard de relations renouvelées avec les peuples autochtones, basées sur la reconnaissance des droits, le respect, la collaboration et le partenariat, je suis ravi que Parcs Canada et la Fédération des Métis du Manitoba ont formalisé cette entente pour offrir l'accès gratuit au parc national du Mont-Riding à tous les citoyens métis du Manitoba. »

L'honorable Jonathan Wilkinson
Ministre de l'Environnement et du Changement climatique et ministre responsable de Parcs Canada

« La Fédération des Métis du Manitoba est fière d'annoncer que les citoyens métis du Manitoba auront un accès gratuit au parc national du Mont-Riding dans le cadre du programme Portes ouvertes à l'intention des peuples autochtones. Les Métis du Manitoba ont été un partenaire de négociation avec le Canada lors de la Confédération et les fondateurs de la province du Manitoba. Nous devons reconnaître l'importance historique du rôle que les parcs nationaux et les lieux historiques nationaux ont joué dans la création de la Nation métisse, du Manitoba et du Canada. »

David Chartrand
Président, Fédération des Métis du Manitoba

« L'accès gratuit au parc national du Mont-Riding offre à nos citoyens métis du Manitoba une occasion stimulante de visiter et de renouer avec un des spectaculaires parcs nationaux du Canada. Ce programme donnera aux visiteurs l'occasion de s'informer sur l'histoire de la création de la Nation métisse, de la fondation du Manitoba ainsi que du rôle de Louis Riel et du gouvernement provisoire. »

Leah LaPlante
Ministre responsable des Ressources naturelles, Fédération des Métis du Manitoba

Les faits en bref

• L'entente relative au programme Portes ouvertes conclue avec la Fédération des Métis du Manitoba sera en vigueur jusqu'au 31 décembre 2025. Elle fera l'objet d'un examen en 2026 en vue de son renouvellement.
• Les citoyens métis du Manitoba sont les bienvenus au parc national du Mont-Riding, et nous les invitons à s'identifier auprès du personnel des services aux visiteurs à leur arrivée afin de pouvoir y accéder gratuitement.
• Dans le cadre du programme Portes ouvertes à l'intention des peuples autochtones, les citoyens de la Fédération des Métis du Manitoba sont exonérés du droit d'entrée aux lieux historiques nationaux de la Maison-Riel et de Lower Fort Garry, qui sont situés au Manitoba.
• Les autres droits exigés pour les attractions et les services, comme le camping ou les programmes spéciaux, ou tout prélèvement, autres que les droits d'entrée, associés aux parcs nationaux et aux lieux historiques nationaux continuent de s'appliquer.
• Le programme Portes ouvertes à l'intention des peuples autochtones ne prévoit que l'entrée gratuite au parc national du Mont-Riding; la chasse, la pêche, le piégeage d'espèces sauvages, la récolte de plantes ou d'objets naturels et l'extraction d'objets culturels ne sont pas autorisés dans le cadre du programme.

Liens connexes

• Site Web de la Fédération des Métis du Manitoba (en anglais)
• Parc national du Mont-Riding
• Applications mobiles de Parcs Canada
• Parcs Canada

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Renseignements

Moira Kelly
Attachée de presse
Cabinet du ministre de l'Environnement et du Changement climatique
819-271-6218
moira.kelly@canada.ca

Relations avec les médias
Agence Parcs Canada
855-862-1812
pc.medias-media.pc@canada.ca

Shaun Cassan
Agent, relations publiques et communications
Unité de gestion du Mont-Riding
Parcs Canada
204-570-1109
shaun.cassan@canada.ca

Kat Patenaude
Relations avec les médias
Fédération des Métis du Manitoba
204-801-7710
Kat.Patenaude@mmf.mb.ca

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Questions and Answers

Riding Mountain National Park

Indigenous Peoples Open Doors Program with Manitoba Metis Federation

Issue:

Beginning June 30, 2021, Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) citizens will receive complimentary access to Riding Mountain National Park through the Indigenous Peoples Open Doors Program. The MMF and Parks Canada would like to publicly communicate the signing of the formal agreement and this positive program, highlighting their ongoing collaborative relationship. The agreement is in place until December 31, 2025, upon which it will be reviewed and considered for renewal in 2026. An agreement for the Indigenous Peoples Open Doors Program was implemented in 2020 for MMF citizens at Riel House and Lower Fort Garry national historic sites.

A news release will be issued on June 30, 2021 to announce the Open Doors Program, including quotes from Minister Wilkinson, along with the President of the Manitoba Metis Federation and the Minister Responsible for Natural Resources for the Manitoba Metis Federation.

Key messages:

• The Government of Canada is committed to reconciliation and a renewed relationship with Indigenous peoples based on the recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership.
• The Indigenous Peoples Open Doors Program seeks to enhance relationships with Indigenous communities to enable access to national parks and national historic sites without undue requirements for purchasing passes for entry.
• Parks Canada and the Manitoba Metis Federation are proud to announce their citizens are exempt from park entry fees through the Indigenous Open Doors Program into Riding Mountain National Park.
• The Indigenous Peoples Open Door Program only permits complimentary entry into Riding Mountain National Park and does not permit hunting, fishing, trapping wildlife, harvesting plants and natural objects or the removal of cultural objects.

Questions and Answers:

Q. What is the Indigenous Open Doors Program with the Manitoba Metis Federation?
A. Parks Canada is proud of its Indigenous Peoples Open Doors program, which seeks to enhance relationships with Indigenous peoples by providing access to national parks or national historic sites, with which they feel a connection, without undue requirements for purchasing passes or permits.

The Indigenous Peoples Open Doors Program is intended to be a tool for strengthening relationships with Indigenous peoples to foster reconnecting with both natural and cultural heritage places administered by Parks Canada.

Parks Canada and the Manitoba Metis Federation are proud to announce, beginning June 30, 2021, Manitoba Metis Federation citizens will have complimentary access to Riding Mountain National Park.

Q. When will Manitoba Metis Federation citizens be able to access the national park?
A. The Indigenous Peoples Open Doors Program agreement is now in effect for all Manitoba Metis Federation citizens and is in effect year-round. Parks Canada looks forward to providing fee exemptions and welcoming citizens of the Manitoba Métis Federation for years to come.

The health and safety of visitors and employees is of utmost importance to the Government of Canada. Parks Canada is following the advice of public health experts and continues to make every effort to limit the spread of COVID-19. Visitors to Riding Mountain National Park should follow the advice of public health experts, including necessary hygiene practices and physical distancing of two metres from others. Visitors are asked to plan ahead by checking the Parks Canada website before they travel to find out: what is open, what they can expect and how to prepare for their visit.

Q. How long will the program be in effect?
A. The Indigenous Peoples Open Doors Program with the Manitoba Metis Federation started on June 30, 2021 and will be in effect until December 31, 2025. The agreement will be up for renewal in 2026.

Q. Which National Parks and National Historic Sites in Manitoba have Indigenous Peoples Open Doors Programs with the Manitoba Metis Federation?
A. Parks Canada is pleased to provide complimentary access for Manitoba Metis Federation citizens at three locations in Manitoba, including:

• Riding Mountain National Park (including the East Gate Registration Complex National Historic Site)
• Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site
• Riel House National Historic Site

Q. Why do Indigenous peoples have fee exemptions to some national parks and national historic sites, but non-Indigenous peoples do not?
A. The Government of Canada is committed to reconciliation and renewed relationships with Indigenous peoples, based on a recognition of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership. Parks Canada is committed to a system of national heritage places that recognizes and honours the contributions of Indigenous peoples, their histories and cultures, as well as the special relationships Indigenous peoples have with traditional lands and waters.

The Indigenous Peoples Open Doors Program is intended to be a tool for strengthening relationships with Indigenous peoples to foster reconnecting with both natural and cultural heritage places administered by Parks Canada.

Q. How does it work?
A. Complimentary entry, under the Indigenous Peoples Open Doors Program, requires Manitoba Metis Federation citizens to present their Manitoba Metis Federation citizenship or harvester card upon arrival at Riding Mountain National Park. With presentation of their citizenship or harvester card, Parks Canada will provide Manitoba Metis Federation citizens a park pass for the duration of their stay.

As with other national park passes, the pass will have to remain in the vehicle, at all times, visible to Parks Canada staff. Accessing different national parks or national historic sites will require a new park pass each time they enter, as a different type of pass may be issued depending on the national park or national historic site visited.

Q. Do Manitoba Metis Federation citizens need to go to the gate to get a pass?
A. Yes. Manitoba Metis Federation citizens will need to stop at the gate of Riding Mountain National Park. It may mean waiting in the line-up along with other visitors. Upon presenting their Manitoba Metis Federation citizenship or harvester card, they will receive a park pass for the duration of their stay. It is important to leave the park pass in the vehicle, so Parks Canada staff can easily see it.

Q. Do Manitoba Metis Federation citizens need to pay for campgrounds?
A. The Indigenous Peoples Open Doors Program with the MMF provides access to the park. Other fees for attractions and services, including campgrounds, other park facilities, or any other levies associated with park/site/area use, other than entry, still apply.

Q. Can Manitoba Metis Federation citizens hunt or practice traditional activities in the park?
A. No, the Indigenous Peoples Open Doors Program does not authorize the bearer to, among other things, hunt, fish, trap, harvest plants and natural objects, or remove cultural objects within the National Park/National Historic Site 1.

1. Hunt and trap, as defined in the National Parks Wildlife Regulations.

Q. If travelling through the park regularly for business, do Manitoba Metis Federation citizens need to carry their Manitoba Metis Federation citizenship card each time?
A. No. A park pass is not required for anyone passing through a national park. However, a park pass is required for anyone stopping to use facilities of any kind.

Q. Does each family member in the car have to have their Métis citizenship or harvester card with them?
A. Yes. Each adult needs to have their Métis citizenship card with them to gain access to Riding Mountain National Park. Admission is now free for youth 17 and under.

Q. Does this also apply to partners/spouses who are not Métis?
A. No. The Open Doors Program with Manitoba Metis Federation only applies to citizens of the Manitoba Métis Nation.

Parks Canada and Manitoba Metis Federation announce Indigenous Peoples Open Doors Program offering complimentary entry to Manitoba Métis citizens to Riding Mountain National Park

 

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