A popular park in southwestern British Columbia has been closed to the public since April 25 to give First Nations time to "connect with the land."
Joffre Lakes Park is scheduled to re-open on May 17.
"To recognize the importance of the Pipi7íyekw /Joffre Lakes Park area to the Líl̓wat Nation and N'Quatqua, the park will be closed to recreational visitors and the general public from April 25 to May 16, 2025," BC Parks wrote in a statement.
"This period will provide exclusive space for the Líl̓wat Nation and N'Quatqua to connect with the land."
When the park is once again accessible to everyone, those over the age of 12 must reserve a free day-use pass to enter.
According to Líĺwat Nation Political Chief Ku̓kwpi7 Skalúlmecw Dean Nelson, BC Parks has worked with First Nations to "build a new relationship ...based on mutual respect and the recognition of our Aboriginal title and rights."
"Joffre Lakes Park lies within the unceded territories of the Líĺwat Nation and N’Quatqua and is integral to who we are as N’Quatqua and Líĺwat7ul," Nelson said.
"The establishment of Joffre Lakes Park has served to protect this unique and beautiful place from impacts of industrial activities. However, it also disrupted our traditional use and access to these lands."
Not everyone has been thrilled by the move to limit access to the park. Political commentator and former BC United candidate Caroline Elliott, for example, pointed out that it could be the beginning of a slippery slope.
"The Joffre Lakes closure was done on the basis of the park being in the Nation's traditional territory, where Title has been asserted, but not established in the courts," Elliott explained.
"So for now in a place where the mere assertion of Title confers the right to prohibit public access to public spaces, then we all need to be aware that over 100% of BC's landmass is claimed as un-ceded traditional territory by one or more of the province's 100+ indigenous groups."
She called the move "divisive," and warned that it "sets a terrible precedent," opening the doors for attempts to close other public lands.