Parks Canada has closed off a section of Long Beach in Tofino, BC — but only to non-indigenous visitors.
The move was made on May 9, just days after a grey whale carcass washed up on the shore.
"Parks Canada, Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada are working together to respectfully respond to a whale carcass found within Tla-o-qui-aht ha’wiih ḥaḥuułi (territory of the hereditary chiefs) on Long Beach within Pacific Rim National Park Reserve," Parks Canada wrote in a statement.
The agency went on to note that on May 10, the Tla-o-qui-aht would "hold a private ceremony" to honour the whale. After that, the DFO was scheduled to lead a necropsy.
"Final results from this analysis may take up to three months," Parks Canada added, noting that, "there may be other activities taking place over the coming days."
The closure, which stretches from the Long Beach Parking Lot almost as far south as the Green Point Campground, is expected to last "until further notice."
Anyone who tries to enter the area may be charged under the Canada National Parks Act, and assessed a fine of up to $25,000.
The whale in question made landfall on May 7 after being spotted floating offshore the day before.
According to the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, the ceremony involved "harvesting and helping access to cultural use of the whale." This included baleen, blubber, bones, and other parts.
They made it very clear that the event was open to indigenous community members only.
The move comes amid another indigenous-lead closure of a popular public space in the province. Joffre Lakes Park has been off-limits to non-indigenous people since April 25 to give First Nations times to "connect with the land."
It is scheduled to re-open on May 17.