March 2002

Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society
NWT Chapter

Nahanni National Park Reserve of Canada

Efforts to increase protection in the Greater Nahanni Ecosystem achieved significant progress in 2001. In May, the Deh Cho First Nations and government began negotiations that are intended to lead to withdrawal of lands late in 2002.  Lands with high ecological and cultural values adjacent to Nahanni National Park Reserve of Canada will be identified and given interim protection under this process. Parks Canada has completed new mapping of areas of high conservation value and is working toward the completion of the park reserve. Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS)-NWT continues to push for increased protection in the region, and remains opposed to the operation of the Prairie Creek lead-zinc mine immediately upstream of the park reserve (also see article on Nahanni National Park Reserve of Canada).

CPAWS-NWT is also working with Begaee Shuhtagot'ine (Mountain Dene) of Tulita in their efforts to protect the headwaters of the South Nahanni Watershed. Begaee Shuhtagot'ine are interested in advancing this area through the PAS, and are now into Step 1 of the process which includes compiling information and defining an area of interest. During a workshop, which built on the results of previous meeting, participants mapped cultural sites and key ecological areas and trails, and discussed options for protection.

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