The Agreement provides for the establishment of a shared governance framework between the Nation Micmac de Gespeg and Parks Canada for joint initiatives and activities in Forillon National Park
Gaspé – The Government of Canada is committed to a process of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples with an aim to renew relationships with them based on the recognition of rights, respect, cooperation, and partnership. The Nation Micmac de Gespeg, custodian of the lands and waters of its traditional territory, the Gespe’gewa’gi, considers this commitment by the Government of Canada to be consistent with its approach to asserting its Indigenous and treaty rights.
In support of this commitment, today the Nation Micmac de Gespeg and the Government of Canada are announcing the signing of the Rights and Reconciliation Agreement with respect to Forillon National Park. This Agreement, signed on January 30, 2024, aims to renew and strengthen Gespeg’s ties with Forillon National Park, recognizing that the culture and identity of the Gespeg Mi’gmaq are intimately tied to their ancestral territory, the Gespe’gewa’gi.
The Agreement provides for the establishment of a shared governance framework between the Nation Micmac de Gespeg and Parks Canada for initiatives and activities in Forillon National Park, related to the conservation of ecological integrity, the practice of traditional activities, the preservation and presentation of Mi’gmaq cultural heritage, and the creation of jobs and economic opportunities for the Nation Micmac de Gespeg and its members.
The signing of this agreement demonstrates the Nation Micmac de Gespeg and Parks Canada’s shared desire to advance their relationship in keeping with Mi’gmaq values and principles, while facilitating the exercise of the rights and responsibilities of the Nation Micmac de Gespeg as stewards of the territory they have inhabited for millennia. The aim of the Nation Micmac de Gespeg’s involvement in the shared governance of Forillon National Park is the sustainable and respectful use of the territory to maintain its integrity.
The cultures and identities of Indigenous peoples are closely tied to their territories, and honouring these ties is an important element of reconciliation actions and outcomes. Parks Canada is committed to honouring these special ties and to ensuring that the rights of Indigenous peoples are taken into consideration and respected.