You are here

Home » Waterton Lakes Gets Belated Ceremonial Opening

Waterton Lakes Gets Belated Ceremonial Opening

Share
By NPT Staff - August 3rd, 2022
The new visitor center at Waterton Lakes National Park is for locals and visitors.

The new visitor center at Waterton Lakes National Park is for locals and visitors/Parks Canada

A ceremonial opening for the Waterton Lakes National Park visitor center drew Káínai Nation Chief Roy Fox and Parks Canada President/CEO Ron Hallman.

Parks Canada worked with Indigenous partners from Káínai and Piikáni Nations to ensure materials developed for the center reflect local Indigenous history, traditions, culture and connection to the area that is now the park (Paahtómahksikimi — “inner sacred lake in the mountains”). Indoor and outdoor exhibits highlight the area’s substantial biodiversity, its unique landscapes and the effects that forces of nature like wind and wildfire have on the area’s animals and plants.

Parks Canada collaborates with Indigenous peoples across the country to develop interpretive materials and activities at national historic sites, parks and marine conservation areas and foster a better understanding of Indigenous peoples’ perspectives, cultures and traditions.

Indigenous content is part of the new Waterton Lakes National Park visitor center.

Indigenous content is part of the new Waterton Lakes National Park visitor center/Parks Canada

“The new Waterton Lakes Centre is tangible proof that other governments are beginning to understand the significance and importance of our ways and lands towards a more meaningful relationship between the Nitsitapi and other North Americans,” Fox said in a news release.

“We are proud of the collaborative work that our Elders and historians have contributed in providing the essential information to the understanding representatives of the Waterton Lakes National Park and this relationship was based on mutual respect and trust. The Kainai Blood Tribe is always prepared to work with other governments on important matters, however there has to be a sincere and trustworthy relationship between and amongst us and that includes the political leaders of the Federal Government.”

The park is in Treaty 7 territory and has long been a place of significance for the region's Indigenous peoples, including the Siksikaitsitapi (Blackfoot) peoples.

About $167 million ($130 million USD) has been invested in Waterton Lakes projects through the Federal Infrastructure Investment Program. The center — which opened its doors in February and had its ceremonial opening in July — represents a significant investment under this program.

Support National Parks Traveler

National Parks Traveler is a small, editorially independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit media organization. The Traveler is not part of the federal government nor a corporate subsidiary. Your support helps ensure the Traveler's news and feature coverage of national parks and protected areas endures. 

EIN: 26-2378789

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE WWW.FRESHFROMFLORIDA.COM. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

The Essential RVing Guide

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

The National Parks RVing Guide, aka the Essential RVing Guide To The National Parks, is the definitive guide for RVers seeking information on campgrounds in the National Park System where they can park their rigs. It's available for free for both iPhones and Android models.

This app is packed with RVing specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 parks.

You'll also find stories about RVing in the parks, some tips if you've just recently turned into an RVer, and some planning suggestions. A bonus that wasn't in the previous eBook or PDF versions of this guide are feeds of Traveler content: you'll find our latest stories as well as our most recent podcasts just a click away.

So whether you have an iPhone or an Android, download this app and start exploring the campgrounds in the National Park System where you can park your rig.